46. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Lord President of the Council, when the report from the Medical Research Council dealing with the question of the definition of silicosis as affecting miners in this country, as distinct from the definition ruling in South Africa, will be made available to the public?
§ Captain Waterhouse (Comptroller of the Household)I have been asked to reply. The investigation organised by the Medical Research Council into silicosis and allied conditions among coal miners involves the clinical and radiological examination of a large number of workers, inquiry into their occupational histories, and parallel studies of the geological and other physical conditions of the pits. This work will necessarily take some time, and it is too soon to say when it will be possible to make a report.
Mr. De la BèreIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that many men suffering from this lung disability are absolutely prevented from getting any redress; and are we bound to be governed by a definition from South Africa as to whether the thing is certifiable or not; and will he try to make some progress?
§ Captain WaterhouseI will convey my hon. Friend's remarks to my Noble Friend, but may I point out that the conference in South Africa was an international conference held there, and was not in any way a South African conference.