§ 26. Mr. E. WILLIAMS (for Mr. D. DAVIES)asked the Secretary for Mines the number of stone dust samples taken by his inspectors at the coal mines of this country during the years 1932 and 1933, and give the number containing matter which, if inhaled, would be injurious to the health of the mine workers?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe materials used for stone dusting in coal mines have been used for that purpose for many years and, their general character and composition being already known from past experience, the inspectors are in a position to deal with the matter at the collieries without taking repeated samples for analysis. The dusts from hard silicious rocks are known to be injurious, and are not allowed to be used for this purpose.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member aware that there is a strong body of opinion which believes that stone dust is the cause of silicosis, and will he inquire into the matter?
§ Mr. BROWNI could not answer that question in a supplementary reply. There are a number of inquiries going on, and there is a good deal of difference of opinion among experts.