HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2035-7
19. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines into how many areas it is proposed to divide the Cardiff and Swansea inspectorate divisions under the proposed reorganised scheme; and whether, having regard to the incidence of silicosis in the South Wales coalfield, he proposes to appoint in this coalfield inspectors with special knowledge and experience to deal with measures for the prevention of this disease?

Mr. Taylor

Can the Minister say whether there has been an increase or a decrease?

Mr. Lloyd

The figures will show that.

Mr. Davidson

But cannot the Minister say now whether the figures indicate an increase or a decrease?

Mr. Lloyd

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at them. They are very complicated

Mr. Lloyd

Under the proposed scheme of reorganisation that part of the present Cardiff and Swansea divisions which includes the South Wales coalfield will be divided into three areas each forming one inspection district. The remaining part of the Cardiff division and five counties in the South-West of England will form a fourth district. With regard to the second part of the question, additions are being made to the specialist staff at headquarters both on the medical side and for dealing with the prevention and suppres- sion of dangerous dusts. When these officers have started work I will consider whether it is desirable that they should be assisted by specialists stationed in particular areas.

20. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of men certified in the South Wales coalfield to be suffering from silicosis during each of the years 1935 to date, indicating also how many of them were below 40 years of age?

Mr. Lloyd

As the answer involves tables of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Coalminers in South Wales certified under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Schemes, 1931 and 1934.
Year. Number of disablement cases. Number of disablement cases under 40 years of age at date of certification.
1935 190 23
1936 285 50
1937 251 45
1938 388 73
1939* (to 31st Mar.).; 76 7
Note—In 43 cases the age at certification is not known.*
*Provisional figures.

In addition, the following figures show over the same period the number of new cases certified as deaths which had not previously been certified as disabled:

Year. Number of new cases(death). Number of such cases under 40 at date of certification.
1935 19 —
1936 18 —
1937 15 1
1938 13 1
1939* (to 31st Mar.). 2 —
Note—In five cases the age at certification is not known.*
*Provisional figures.