HC Deb 07 May 1923 vol 163 c1921
101. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any provision will be made in the amending Workmen's Compensation Bill to bring in the men who suffer from silicosis in the wet-grinding industry?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridgeman)

No such provision will be needed, as special powers are given by the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Act, 1918, to make a scheme of compensation for any industry involving exposure to silica dust. A comprehensive inquiry by the Factory Department into the conditions of the different sections of the grinding industries has recently been completed, and as soon as the Report of this inquiry is presented, I propose to ask the Departmental Committee which is now sitting to consider and report on a scheme for the grinding industries.