§ 44. Mr. SWANasked the Home Secretary the number of miners who are in receipt of compensation due to miners' nystagmus; and what is the amount paid per year as compensation for miners' nystagmus?
§ Major BAIRDIn 1914, which is the last year for which figures are available, there were 5,992 cases in which compensation was paid to miners on account of this disease. This total was made up of 3,218 cases continued from previous years and 2,774 new cases. I regret I have no information as to the amount of compensation paid.
§ 60. Mr. SWANasked the Home Secretary what stops, if any, are being taken either to mitigate or prevent the spreading of the disease of miners' nystagmus; and if he is aware of the great loss of 239 coal output to the nation caused by it as well as the physical pain caused by the disease to those affected?
§ Major BAIRDWorking in the insufficient light given by miners' lamps is recognised as the main cause of this disease, and the question of improving the illumination is being investigated by a Departmental Committee which my right hon. Friend appointed last May under the Chairmanship of the present Chief Inspector of Mines. The Committee has been taking evidence both from those engaged in the industry and from scientific and medical experts, and conducting researches at the Home Office Experimental Station at Eskmeals and elsewhere, and they are about to carry out a series of practical trials with lamps giving a better light. The serious effects of this disease are only too obvious, and the hon. Member may be assured that all possible steps are being taken to find an effective remedy.
§ Mr. SPENCERMay I ask if the Government have any intention of bringing in a Bill to make it compulsory to give a light of two-candle power?
§ Major BAIRDI think it is obvious from my answer that the importance of a good light is recognised, but we cannot take definite steps until the inquiry is finished.
§ Mr. R. McLARENMay I ask if it is the case that electric light has been inaugurated in some mines, but that it cannot be brought into operation in others because no method has been adopted for detecting gas; and will the hon. Gentleman see that some new arrangement is made so that this can be done and thus give the miners a better light?
§ Major BAIRDI think the same answer holds good. The whole of this subject is being inquired into, and when some sensible proposal can be laid before the House it will be.
§ Mr. A. SHORTWhen is the Report likely to come to hand?
§ Major BAIRDI cannot say.
§ Major BAIRDCertainly. No time is being lost. We are fully aware of the importance of the subject, and I am sure 240 the hon. Gentleman does not desire the inquiry not to be completed fully.