§ 6. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the fact that during 1939, 91 miners were certified to have died of silicosis, and 355 were certified to be disabled by the disease, in the South Wales coalfield; and what special measures are being taken to reduce the incidence of the disease?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I am aware of the position as regards silicosis among miners in South Wales and my Department is collaborating fully with the Medical Research Council in the large-scale investigations which are being made there. His Majesty's inspectors are continuing to promote the adoption and improvement of a variety of methods for the prevention and suppression of dangerous dust and an additional inspector attached to the staff at the Mines Department has been appointed to devote his whole time to giving further help in dealing with the difficult technical problems involved.
§ Mr. GriffithsCan the Secretary for Mines say whether these representatives will issue a separate report on the preventive measures which may be necessary?
§ Mr. LloydIn regard to the Medical Research Council investigation, I think, subject to advice, that that is so.
§ 61. Mr. Griffithsasked the Postmaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress is being made with the investigation into the incidence of silicosis among coal-miners and when it is expected the report will be available?
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Captain Waterhouse)The investigation into the problems presented by industrial pulmonary disease among coalminers has continued to make satisfactory progress. The field work is now nearly finished, and it is hoped to complete an interim report on the results during the summer.