§ 4. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether increased mechanisation in the mines results in added danger of silicosis; and what steps are being taken to avoid this.
§ Mr. GaitskellWhile increased mechanisation may produce increased quantities of airborne dust, in the present state of medical knowledge it is not possible to say whether the quantity or the quality of the dust is the most important factor in producing the disease, and this is one of the main aspects of the problem on which the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit is engaged. In these circumstances, the National Coal Board are adopting measures to suppress as far as possible all forms of dust in the mines. These measures include wet cutting, water infusion and spraying. In each coal division dust prevention committees, on which the Inspectors of Mines, the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers are represented, are stimulating and supervising the work.
§ Mr. ShepherdIn view of the fact that there is a limited number of appliances for these purposes, is the Minister seeing that South Wales, where the ravages of the disease are much greater than elsewhere, is getting priority?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir. Far more work of this kind is being done in South Wales than anywhere else.