§ 27. Mr. HOPKINasked the Home Secretary the result of the negotiations 1476 which have been carried on concerning Order 975 regarding silicosis; and when he proposes to publish the new regulation?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe negotiations in connection with this Order have not yet been concluded, but I am hopeful that I shall be in a position to come to a final decision very shortly, and my hon. Friend may be assured that no time will then be lost in issuing the Order. In accordance with the terms of the Statute, the Order when made will be laid at once before Parliament.
§ 30. Mr. BROTHERSasked the Home Secretary if he will refer to the departmental committee appointed to inquire and report on proposals for extending or modifying the schedule of industrial diseases, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, the excess of respiratory illness amongst male card room workers in cotton mills?
§ Mr. CLYNESInquiries made by the Industrial Health Research Board at the request of the Home Office Departmental Committee on Dust in Card Rooms have established that there is a high incidence of sickness due to respiratory complaints amongst card room workers above a certain age, but I do not gather that there is any evidence to show that these complaints are distinguishable from the ordinary forms of respiratory disease. The departmental committee are, however, investigating the precise nature and cause of the sickness, and I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion when their report is received.
§ Mr. DOULGAS HACKINGHow long is it since this departmental committee was set up?
§ Mr. CLYNESI could not say without notice.
§ Mr. HACKINGIt is more than three years?
§ Mr. BROTHERSIt is over two years.