HC Deb 21 March 1932 vol 263 cc704-6
69. Mr. D. GRENFELL

(for Mr. NEIL MACLEAN) asked the Home Secretary what was the total sum paid out under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Scheme since the inception of the scheme for England and Wales and for Scotland, respectively?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I regret that separate figures as to the compensation paid under the Various Industries and Metal Grinding Industries Schemes, which are identical except as regards the processes to which they apply, are not available, but the total compensation paid under these two schemes during 1929 and 1930 was £46,783. I have no information as to the proportion paid in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively. The figures for 1931 are not yet available.

70. Mr. GRENFELL

(for Mr. MACLEAN) asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the total amounts collected in levies in connection with the Sandstone Industry (Silicosis) Scheme, 1929, since the commencement of the scheme; the total amount paid out in compensation since the commencement of the scheme; the total cost of administration, including the expenses incurred in collecting the levies and paying out compensation, the sums paid to the medical board, and the sums paid in connection with the local joint committees set up to determine claims; and what balance, if any, is at present in the fund?

Sir H. SAMUEL

As the answer is long and contains a number of figures, will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The total amount collected up to the 31st December last was £124,721. The compensation payments amounted to £17,095; administrative expenses in connection with the collection of levies and payment of compensation claims, £7,498; sums paid towards cost of medical board, £14,161, and expenses of joint committees, £1,023. The balance at 31st December, 1931, which is the amount available to meet the outstanding liabilities in respect of cases which have already arisen and are still current, 128 in all, was £85,182. I may add that I have recently approved a substantial reduction in the rates of levy payable to the fund.

71. Mr. GRENFELL

(for Mr. MACLEAN) asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, are being taken by the Home Office to have plant installed by the employers to prevent silicosis?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Much has been and is being done in this direction. Regulations to prevent silicosis have been made under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, for a number of industries, including the manufacture of silica bricks, the manufacture of cutlery and edge tools, and the grinding of metals and cleaning of castings, and a supplementary Code of Regulations for the pottery industry has recently been agreed with the industry, and will be brought into force very shortly. All these regulations include requirements involving the installation of plant to prevent inhalation of dust. Further, it is the general practice of the inspectors under section 74 of the Act to require the provision of exhaust ventilation in any case where the workers are exposed to this risk. The prevention of silicosis in mines and quarries is a matter for the Mines Department?

Mr. GRENFELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Mines Department to see that precautionary measures similar to those which have been applied in South Africa are applied in connection with the very large number of people affected by this disease in this country?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That question ought to be addressed to the Mines Department. I am sure that no influence is needed.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in South Africa they have gone very much further in investigating and dealing with this disease that we have gone here; and that it is desirable therefore to urge upon the Mines Department the importance of this matter?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That also is a question which ought to be addressed to the Mines Department.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in South Africa they have practically eliminated this disease from the mines?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I am not responsible for the mines. This is a matter for the Mines Department.