Mr. B. Taylorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the progress being made in regard to rehabilitation services in the mining industry?
Major Lloyd GeorgeResponsibility for ensuring that rehabilitation treatment is available for injured coal miners has, at the request of the Government, been undertaken by the Miners' Welfare Commission and under war conditions it is a big and difficult task. The Commission's first step was to investigate in association with the Health Departments and the district miners' welfare committees, to what extent existing accommodation and facilities could be made to serve the purpose. Where that has been found impossible, the Commission is taking steps to obtain and adapt other premises, and to recruit and train the necessary staff. Despite the difficulties the Commission has made gratifying progress. Centres are already in operation for six coal districts; the centres for the four Scottish districts being provided by the Department of Health for Scotland. Premises have been acquired for three districts and are under negotiation for seven districts, while in three districts the problem is before the district committees. The remaining six districts are too small to have special centres and will be fitted into the scheme as it develops.