HC Deb 16 May 1933 vol 278 cc181-3
15. Mr. D. GRENFELL (for Sir WILLIAM JENKINS)

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken to put into operation the report of the Medical Research Board on silicosis and anthracosis in mines; and if any remedial measures are contemplated at any early date?

Mr. E. BROWN

Research into industrial pulmonary diseases is directed by a committee under the Medical Research Council, and an account of the work is included in the annual reports of the council. No fresh findings as regards mining have as yet been reported by the committee, but in the meantime increased attention is given by His Majesty's Inspectors to secure the effective use of dust preventive measures wherever they are considered to be necessary; and practical work for the improvement of such methods is the constant duty of a special inspector attached to the Mines Department.

Mr. GRENFELL

Have the committee recommended the use of appliances to obviate the breathing of fine stone dust which causes silicosis?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will consult the latest report, Command Paper No. 4248, he will see that there are difficulties.

55. Mr. GRENFELL (for Sir W. JENKINS)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state what number of people have made claims for compensation in the South Wales mines who are suffering from silicosis and what number from anthracosis; what number have succeeded in their claims; the number refused; and upon what grounds their claims failed, from January, 1928, to the last available date?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

I regret I am not in a position to give the information asked for, and I would point out that anthracosis is not a disease for which compensation is provided under the Workmen's Compensation Act. I am advised that it has not yet been established that the condition of the lungs described as anthracosis gives rise to any disabling condition. I may add that the Miners' Federation have made representations to me regarding certain cases in which miners suffering from silicosis have not obtained compensation, and that I am in communication with them in the matter.

Mr. GRENFELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anthracosis cases have proceeded as far as the courts and the applicants have failed to satisfy the courts that the disease is one for which compensation should be paid; and has the Home Secretary a record of anthracosis as well as silicosis cases; and will he supply information to show how many cases put forward on these grounds are being turned down?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I have already said, anthracosis is not a disease for which compensation is provided. As I am advised, it does not come under the terms that we are discussing. As regards the other matters which I am discussing with the miners' representatives, until I have concluded those discussions, I can say nothing further.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is not this unfortunate fact due to the difficulty of diagnosis, and is it the case that the applicants or the dependants of the person who has died or has been disabled, are handicapped considerably because of the failure of the medical profession and the medical advisers to the Home Office to make a correct diagnosis as between these two kinds of cases?

Sir J. GILMOUR

All these matters are being discussed at the present moment.