§ 66. Sir C. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered 1062 the report of the Committee on Industrial Pulmonary Diseases in the South Wales Coalfield, No. 243, with special reference to silicosis and pneumokoniosis; and what steps he proposes to take to enforce the recommendations as to shot-firing, ripping top, etc., so as to minimise the extent of these diseases?
§ Captain WaterhouseI have been asked to reply. These and other measures for the protection of coal face workers against dust will be dependent on important changes in methods and customs of working in many of the mines concerned, and it will be necessary to have full discussions with the industry in South Wales. The urgency of the matter is fully realised. The preparatory departmental work is well in hand and arrangements for discussions will be made as speedily as possible.