HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 c1533
23. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Asthma Research Council are taking active steps to investigate causes of asthma among coal miners; and will he supply figures as to the incidence of asthma among these workers?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Cross)

I have been asked to reply. So far as I am aware, the Asthma Research Council is not making any special investigation with reference to coal miners. As regard the second part of the question, I regret that there are no official figures of the incidence of asthma among coal miners.

Mr. Adams

Is it the intention of the Department to make such an investigation among coal miners, because it is a very imperative investigation?

Mr. Cross

The hon. Member had better put that question down to my right hon. Friend. This question refers to the Asthma Research Council, which is an independent body.