§ 76. Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Home Secretary the number of silicosis cases in Lancashire and Cheshire during each of the last five years; and whether the Medical Research Council are making any investigations regarding silicosis in this district?
§ Sir S. HoareThe statistics are not generally tabulated according to counties, but the Silicosis Medical Board granted eight certificates in 1937 to workmen last employed in coal mines in Lancashire and Cheshire; four in 1936, three in 1935, three in 1934 and four in 1933. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the inclusion of mines elsewhere than in South Wales is not contemplated as part of the investigation into lung conditions among coal miners at present being carried out by the Committee of the Medical Research Council, their method in this instance being to make an intensive study in a selected locality rather than a general survey. The value of the findings, however, will not, of course, be restricted to the sample area from which the evidence is drawn.
§ Mr. MarshallIn view of the great difficulty of establishing claims under the silicosis regulations, especially in the grinding trades, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an undertaking to bring in early legislation to remedy the grave defects?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is, obviously, a question which should be put down. It does not arise out of this question.
§ Mr. David GrenfellWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making a submission to the Medical Board for a revision of the diagnosis, because there is a failure to obtain awards in a large number of cases of people who die from this disease?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is also a more general question than the question on the Paper, but I will take account of what the hon. Gentleman says.