§ 12. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that complaints are being made by workers in the mines respecting the harmful effects on health through inhaling the incombustible dust that the roadways have to be treated with; and can he say if such dust is tested before use to see if it is dangerous to the health of the workman?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe stonedusting of colliery roadways has been generally enforced for nearly 14 years past, and I have no evidence that the practice has been injurious to health. The suitability of the dusts used is constantly watched by H.M. Inspectors of Mines and steps are taken to prevent the use of unsuitable materials. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of cases where harmful effects are alleged I shall be glad to have them fully investigated.
§ Mr. TINKERIf such cases are reported to the hon. Gentleman when the test is made, will he report to the workmen what the test is?
§ Mr. BROWNI must ask the hon. Member to put that question down, because I should like to consider the terms of it.
§ Mr. T. SMITHIs not this matter under investigation by somebody in the Department?
§ Mr. BROWNThere are a good many committees on these subjects, and the reason I ask the hon. Member to put the question down was that I would like to consider which point it is that he was raising.