HC Deb 09 September 1941 vol 374 cc16-7
20. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any further measures are being taken to prevent silicosis and anthracosis among coal-miners; what these measures are; and whether they are being made obligatory upon colliery managements?

Mr. Grenfell

As regards stone drifts and headings, the measures recommended by the Royal Commission, which have been enumerated in previous replies and with which my hon. Friend is fully familiar, are being applied wherever the conditions so require; but the provision of the apparatus is not enough, and there is still need not only for the managements but for the workmen and subordinate officials to see that it is used more regularly and effectively and kept in good order, and I appeal again for their co-operation.

As the hon. Member knows, very pro-longed and thorough investigation has been directed to the conditions associated with the incidence of the disease and we are hoping for enlightenment and guidance from the report soon to be forthcoming from the Committee of the Medical Research Council. In the meantime, the chief undertaking in the anthracite area of South Wales, in consultation with the Divisional Inspector of Mines, has issued to all its officials a far-reaching code of instructions as to precautionary measures, and this has been made known also to the representatives of the workmen, on whose co-operation we must largely depend in seeking to bring about a change in the long-standing methods and customs of their work. I am hopeful that this scheme of co-operative effort will prove successful, although a standard set of statutory Regulation may well be necessary later when the position is clearer.

Mr. Griffiths

Does my hon. Friend propose to publish the report of the investigators when it is completed?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir. I think my hon. Friend was informed by the Lord President of the Council that the report has been completed. I hope that publication will be possible without undue delay.

Viscountess Aster

Do I understand that an investigation is taking place into the causes?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir.

Viscountess Astor

Have not such investigations been taking place for the last 20 years?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, but the Committee has been carrying its investigations into individual cases. It takes into consideration environmental causes and the industrial history of each man examined. I am sure that the information obtained will be more useful than any that we have obtained in the past.