HC Deb 28 April 1936 vol 311 cc729-30
55. Mr. G. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Labour whether His Majesty's Government have taken any steps to give effect to the recommendations of the Silicosis Conference, held in Johannesburg in August, 1930, as regards preventive measures; and whether His Majesty's Government will propose that steps should be taken at the International Labour Conference to put these recommendations into effect?

Mr. E. BROWN

The prevention of silicosis is a matter for the Home Office and the Mines Department as regards the premises under their respective jurisdictions and questions as to the preventive measures being taken should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary or to my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines. I can say, however, that the preventive measures are constantly under review and that the recommendations of the Johannesburg Conference were based on measures applied in this country. The International Labour Organisation, also, with the support of His Majesty's Government, proposes to appoint a committee of experts to collect information and to stimulate action on this subject.

Mr. J. GRIFFITHS

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange that representatives of the International Labour Office should give evidence to the commission in the coal industry which is now sitting?

Mr. BROWN

The House will know that the agenda for the 1937 conference is already fixed.

56. Miss RATHBONE

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the fact that the approaching International Labour Conference at Geneva next June will deal with the question of hours in the textile industry, which employs a majority of women workers, he will appoint a woman as a member of the Government delegation?

Mr. BROWN

Yes, Sir.