HC Deb 13 March 1934 vol 287 cc186-7
37. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMS)

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to set up a committee to inquire into the effect of stone dusting as a contributory cause of silicosis?

Mr. E. BROWN

The problems of the causation and diagnosis of silicosis are being investigated under the direction of the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council and in other quarters. This, I believe to be the best method of attacking the problem of this disease, and at the present stage of the investigations I do not think the suggested committee would serve any useful purpose. At a later stage, however, I will take the suggestion of the hon. Member into consideration.

Mr. SMITH

Can the Secretary for Mines say whether stone dusting is regarded as a contributory cause? Is there any evidence of it?

Mr. BROWN

Not that I know of.

Mr. TURTON

Would it not be simpler to make silicosis an industrial disease under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

Mr. BROWN

No. There are many other issues involved.