HC Deb 12 July 1939 vol 349 cc2243-4
56. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Pay master-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress has been made by the committee investigating the incidence of silicosis in the anthracite coalfield; and whether he can indicate when their investigations will be completed and their findings published?

The Paymaster-General (Earl Winterton)

The work is proceeding satisfactorily on the lines indicated in my replies to the hon. Member of 23rd February and 19th April. The second phase of the investigation has been completed, five collieries in the anthracite area and two in the steam coal area having been examined. The results are now being analysed, and show the need for extending the investigation to a small number of other collieries of different types. Arrangements have been made to do this in the autumn, and it is hoped that the whole of the field work will be completed before the end of the year.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the incidence of silicosis still increases, and that for the first six months of this year it shows an increase over the comparable period of last year; and in view of the reply which he has given that the field work will not be completed until some time in the autumn, and presumably there will be long discussion after that, can he give any indication when the report will be completed, and will he take steps to expedite it?

Earl Winterton

I fully sympathise with the importance which the hon. Gentleman attaches to this matter, and, with the approval of the Lord President, I am satisfied that there has been no avoidable delay. It is a very difficult and intricate matter, and I cannot give any indication when the final report will be received, because after the field work is completed, which, I hope, will be by the end of the autumn, time will be required for some analysis to be made.

Mr. Griffiths

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that this investigation has not been unduly delayed because of the shortage of personnel in the committee?

Earl Winterton

Yes, Sir; I am very pleased that the hon. Member has asked that question, which is a very proper one to ask. I am convinced that there has been no avoidable delay, and, in fact, you cannot hurry an investigation of this sort.