HC Deb 10 February 1942 vol 377 cc1386-7
40. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the returns show an increase in the number of certifiable industrial diseases among miners; if so, what are the causes of the increase and, in particular, whether there is an increase in the incidence of dermatitis among coalminers and the reasons for the increase?

Mr. Grenfell

The Workmen's Compensation statistics show for the coal mining industry a decrease in the cases of nystagmus, beat hand and affections of the wrist and tendon sheath, and an increase in the cases of silicosis, beat knee, beat elbow and dermatitis. I cannot within the limits of Question and answer analyse the complex causes of these changes, but as regards dermatitis special inquiries are being made to find out why the certificates of disablement in respect of this disease, which 10 years previously were very few, reached a figure of 400 in 1940.

Mr. Griffiths

If the inquiries show that the increase in dermatitis is due to deficiency in diet will my hon. Friend take the necessary steps to deal with it?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir, certainly.