§ 29. Mr. HOPKINasked the Home Secretary if he has received a Resolution from the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation drawing his attention of the fact that it is impossible for the federation to establish any claim to compensation for the dependants of men who die from silicosis because it was not possible to prove the presence of 50 per cent. silica in the stone or rock where the mine was working; whether he is aware that similar conditions obtain in the anthracite district in South Wales where a number of men have died from silicosis for whose dependants no compensation can be obtained because it is impossible to prove the presence of 50 per cent. of silica in the rock in the mine; and whether he proposes to amend the law to meet this situation?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. No cases of hardship due to the limitation referred to by my hon. Friend have yet been brought to my notice, but if any evidence is submitted, I shall be glad to consider it.
§ Mr. HOPKINIs my right hon. Friend aware that there has not been a single case brought from the anthracite district of South Wales which has been successful owing to the fact that it is impossible to prove that there is 50 per cent. silica in the rock?
§ Mr. TINKERHas my right hon. Friend had any representation from the Miners' Federation of Great Britain that, in fact, it is impossible for a miner to 586 get compensation under the present regulations?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, representations have been made in this matter but, as I have said, if information can be afforded on the specific cases, I shall be glad to receive it and to deal with it.
§ Mr. HOPKINMay I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment at an early date.