§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the International Silicosis Conference of 1930 that an international classification of the stages of silicosis and their radiological diagnosis be established and that research be undertaken on an international basis into the causation of silicosis and other diseases due to dust?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe classification of silicosis mentioned in the report of the conference was, I understand; unanimously adopted by the conference, and I am advised that, having regard to the representative character of the conference, it may be regarded as generally accepted. As regards the other recommendations referred to, the intention of the conference was that each country should institute researches on the lines suggested and should communicate the results to the International Labour Office. So far as this country is concerned, the matter has been under consideration by the committee appointed by the Medical Research Council to investigate silicosis and other forms of pulmonary disease, and I am informed that schemes of research drawn up by this committee have now been approved and are being put in operation.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Home Secretary, arising out of the recommendations of the International Silicosis Conference of 1930 that every effort should be made to emphasise the necessity for a whole series of provisions relating to hygiene, including methods for reducing production and diffusion of dust, maintaining the purity of the air in the mines, and the provision of suit-able means for ensuring personal hygiene 574W whether he will say what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these recommendations are put into effect?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe particular recommendation mentioned in the question relates only to mines and does not, therefore, directly affect my Department. As regards, however, the protection of factory workers against exposure to dust, this question has, for many years past, received the greatest possible attention from the Home Office and has been dealt with not only by general provisions in the Factory Acts, but also by special provisions included in various codes of regulations for industries in which dangerous dusts are produced. The need of strengthening and extending these provisions is constantly under review, and my hon. Friend may be assured that every possible precaution will continue to be taken. I may add that the preventive measures recommended by the conference were, I understand, based on the measures actually adopted and applied in this country.