§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Home Secretary whether, out of the number of miners who have been medically examined since the outbreak of war, he can give the percentage of those who have normal vision, the percentage of those suffering from nystagmus, and also state the effect of long hours upon the eyesight of underground workmen; and, if the figures and information are not available, will he take steps to secure the same?
§ Mr. SHORTTI will consult the Ministry of National Service as to the figures the hon. Member asks for, but I fear they will be difficult to obtain. I may, however, say that the number of miners who have been certified under the Workmen's Compensation Act as suffering from nystagmus has varied during the War from twenty-six to eighteen for every 10,000 employed. There is no precise evidence as to the relation of nystagmus to hours of work. Its chief, if not its sole cause is insufficient light, and I am glad to say that the lighting of mines has been considerably improved in recent years.