§ Dr. Barnett Strossasked the Minister of National Insurance what steps are being taken to provide treatment for cases of pneumoconiosis and with what success.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have been asked to reply. Investigations are being made in association with my Department by the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit of the Medical Research Council which has been at work for some time. The Working Party, under the chairmanship of the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Grenfell), said in their recently published report, that there is abundant evidence of marked physical and mental improvement among partly disabled persons when found any suitable kind of work; and the Research Unit in South Wales is engaged on a study of the medical aspects of the industrial and social sides of the problem. This investigation will be developed as the arrangements for providing alternative work expand on the lines recommended by the Working Party.
The Clinic is also to investigate the possibilities of direct treatment of the 424W disease and a special clinic for the purpose, in association with the hospital at Llandough, will soon be in operation. Similar investigations are also to be made amongst tin miners in Cornwall, and amongst the matters for study is treatment by the inhalation of finely powdered aluminium.