§ 40. Sir GEORGE TOULMINasked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether excessive sickness is found amongst the lead miners employed at the Greenside Mine, Glen-ridding-on-Ullswater; what percentage of men so employed have required sanatorium treatment for phthisis, and what ratio this bears to men employed in neighbouring lead mines; whether this sickness rate is due to any want of precautions in the working of this mine; whether exceptional calls have been made on the funds of approved societies in consequence; and whether any steps are contemplated to deal with such cases under Clause 63 of the National Insurance Act, 1911?
§ Sir EDWIN CORNWALL (Comptroller of the Household)The information which I have been able to obtain from insurance committees and approved societies in the district is not sufficient to enable me to say definitely that the amount of sickness amongst the miners in question has been abnormal. I would draw attention to the action which has already been taken by the Home Office, as explained in the answer given to my hon. Friend yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to that Department. I may add that in the circumstances it does not appear feasible at the present time to proceed under Section 63 of the National Insurance Act, 1911. I am glad of the attention which my hon. 2592 Friend has drawn to the circumstances of the locality, and I have arranged that the position in the district shall be kept under special notice.