§ Mr. KELLYasked the Home Secretary the number of cases of disablement from silicosis which were reported during 1928; how many were partially disabled; the number permanently disabled; and the number of deaths from this disease?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis disease is not notifiable, and I regret that the only figures I can give are those of cases dealt with under the Refractories Industries Scheme. The new cases arising under that Scheme in 1928 included 27 cases of partial and 5 cases of total disablement, and 4 deaths. In addition there were 3 deaths of workmen who had previously been in receipt of compensation.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Home Secretary if he can furnish particulars of the proposed special scheme under Section 47 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, providing for compensation for silicosis for workmen in the sandstone industry; and if he can indicate the chief areas of the country, with the number of workmen involved?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Draft Scheme together with a, copy of an explanatory letter issued to employers affected. I am also enclosing a copy of a Report, which has been published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, of a Medical Inquiry recently carried out for the Home Office and Mines Department into the occurrence of silicosis in the sandstone industry. The chief areas concerned are West Riding of Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Derbyshire, and Durham and Northumberland. It is impossible to give accurate figures as to the number of workmen affected, but it is estimated roughly that the number will be not less than 11,000.