§ 74. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines the precise nature of the preventive measures that have so substantially reduced the incidence of silicosis in the Rand mines; whether these preventive measures are made obligatory upon the Rand mineowners by statute or regulations; in how many collieries in Great Britain and South Wales, respectively, these preventive measures are in use; and whether he proposes to issue the 971 regulations to make their adoption obligatory upon the mines of this country?
§ Captain CrookshankIn South Africa those mines which are scheduled under the Miners' Phthisis Benefits Law are subject to regulations requiring special preventive measures to be taken. I cannot, within the limits of an answer, state those preventive measures precisely, but the general purport is to provide for initial and periodical medical examination of persons exposed to the risk and for the suppression of harmful dust which might be breathed by such workers. I have not sufficient statistical information to enable me to answer the third part of the question. As regards the fourth part, the South African regulations apply only to the scheduled mines which, generally, I understand, are the metalliferous and not the coal mines; and, as at present advised, I do not propose, as regards the coal mines of this country, to displace the method of differentiating requirements according to risk in favour of applying the same requirements to all these mines. The whole matter is, however, under consideration by the Royal Commission now sitting.
§ Mr. GriffithsCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman make available the full statute covering this question in the Rand mines? In reference to the last part of the reply, will he consider applying these measures in an experimental way to a number of collieries where the incidence of silicosis is very high?
Viscountess AstorWill my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that dozens of questions have been asked on this side of the House about this appalling disease, and will he try any experiment in order to get rid of it?
§ Captain CrookshankThe noble Lady need not worry where the questions come from; the problem is always under my consideration. As regards the first supplementary question, I will certainly see whether the statute can be made available, but probably it is already in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of applying these remedies experimentally to a number of pits where the incidence of silicosis is high?
§ Captain CrookshankI shall have to look into that. I think the hon. Gentleman had better study my reply first to see the essential differences between the two cases.