Tuberculosis Nurses (Industrial Injuries Scheme)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 13 March 1951.

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Photo of Mr Enoch Powell Mr Enoch Powell , Wolverhampton South West 12:00, 13 March 1951

—it could be said that they are in close and frequent contact with a source of tuberculous infection. It may well be said, like certain other communicable diseases to which nurses are subject, that the Minister might manage under industrial injuries to cover the case by saying the infection was an accident; but I am doubtful whether the nature of employment "involves" for the purpose of this schedule close and frequent contact with a source or sources of tuberculous infection. I hope that the Minister will, upon reflection, see that this point has more substance than he might at first have thought.

I conclude by emphasising the grave responsibility which rests on us now in adopting Regulations, or taking any measure, which might react on the recruitment of nurses for the treatment of tuberculosis, and particularly for tuberculosis sanatoria. At any rate, in the area from which I come, which is one of the least happy areas of the country from the point of view of this disease, the waiting lists, having been checked by the opening of general wards, are now rising again. As is common knowledge, and as my hon. Friend stated, the nursing factor is the key factor. I am desperately concerned that the reaction of these Regulations may be against recruiting to sanatoria, and that that reaction may be based on a false statistical basis. It is on those grounds that I support the Motion.