§ 55. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Home Secretary if the terms of reference of inquiry into silicosis in the mining industry includes an inquiry into silicosis in other industries?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation for silicosis is directed under its terms of reference to advise on any proposals which the Secretary of State may refer to it for schemes of compensation in industries liable to give rise to the disease. The Committee is at present engaged in an inquiry into a scheme for the pottery industry and I have asked it, as soon as that is completed, to advise on a scheme for the coalmining industry.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think so. In previous cases, that undoubtedly was the practice.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that the mining industry generally includes the ganister mines and quarries which are related to coal mines?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAt present I am asking them to deal with coal mining pure and simple. There is a question to come on very soon afterwards in regard to sandstone quarries in which a preliminary medical inquiry is already in progress.
§ Mr. SMITHDo I understand that if the evidence is such the right hon. Gentleman contemplates taking action by legislation?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think that if the report of the Committee is 812 sufficient I have powers already to make a scheme under the Workmen's Compensation Act.
§ Mr. KELLYIs this Committee to make inquiries with regard to silicosis affecting workers in the brickmaking industry?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI cannot answer all these questions without notice. I do not think I have been asked at the moment to inquire into the brickmaking industry.