asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry or from any other source concerning absenteeism following the introduction of the new medical certification system last January; and what reply he has sent.

The Confederation mentioned its fears about this in exchanges following my appeal for a reduction in the number of medical certificates for employers' purposes. But certification for National Insurance purposes is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, who considers that it is much too early to judge the effect, if any, of the new regulations on absenteeism. This view has been conveyed to the Confederation. I have had no other representations.

Will my right hon. Friend consider publishing regularly any figures which might be available on this problem so that we might be able to see whether there is any possible trend one way or the other?

I think that that would not be a matter for me.