§ 22. Mr. T. Brownasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the prevailing high rate of miners still contracting industrial dust diseases, whether he will consider issuing a general direction making it compulsory for all underground workers to be periodically subjected to X-ray examinations.
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir, but my noble Friend hopes that as many miners as possible will, in their own interest, take advantage of the National Coal Board's voluntary scheme for periodical X-ray examinations.
§ Mr. BrownIt is all very well for the Parliamentary Secretary to fob it off on to his noble Friend, but will the Paymaster-General institute periodic examinations of men working underground, say, every six or twelve months? Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that Lancashire, and other counties too, are very disturbed about the number of miners suffering from chest complaints? Has he read the report recently issued by the Lancashire and Cheshire Permanent Relief Society which indicates a high incidence of men suffering from dust diseases such as emphysema. Will he not take active steps with a view to instituting these examinations?
§ Sir I. HorobinThe hon. Gentleman's Question asks whether we will make these examinations compulsory. It is our view, and that of the National Union of Mineworkers, that these things are best left on a voluntary basis. As a matter of fact, the numbers taking part in this sort of thing are highly satisfactory and of the order of 80 per cent.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the Parliamentary Secretary consult the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance and the Coal Board to ascertain whether our fears are correct that results of those examinations show a growth in the incidence of emphysema amongst miners? Has the time not come to review the whole situation and bring emphysema within the schedule of prescribed diseases?
§ Sir I. HorobinThat is a different point which I should not like to answer offhand, but I will take note of the right hon. Gentleman's Question.