HC Deb 26 March 1936 vol 310 c1427W
Mr. POTTS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether nystagmus is on the increase amongst coal miners, having regard to the numbers employed having fallen by upwards of 300,000 since the War; and whether he will refer the matter to the medical research committee, with regard to a higher standard of illumination, and undertake to make any ascertained improvement compulsory throughout mining industries?

Captain CROOKSHANK

The number of new cases of nystagmus per thousand persons employed underground at coal mines has decreased in recent years. The matter has already been fully investigated by committees of the Medical Research Council and in other ways. A higher standard of illumination at coal mines was made compulsory by the Coal Mines General Regulations (Lighting) of 1934.