HC Deb 19 June 1928 vol 218 c1584
12. Mr. T. GRIFFITHS (for Mr. JENKINS)

asked the Secretary for Mines what percentage of silica is found in the stone dust due to boring in rock in the mines of the Neath and Dowlais valleys, Glamorgan?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)

Very few of the rocks encountered in the coal measures in these districts are highly silicious. On a few occasions hard sandstone is met, usually when sinking shafts or cutting cross measure drifts. The percentage of free silica in hard sandstone varies from 60 per cent. to 85 per cent. with a probable average of about 75 per cent.

Mr. PALING

Are these collieries included in the schedule of industrial diseases for compensation, and if so will these pits be included in the inquiry of which the Home Secretary spoke last week?

Commodore KING

I shall have to refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend for the answer.