§ Mr. A. BENNETTasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware of the large increase in the number of cases of nystagmus in this country, particularly in recent years; and. what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXAs regards the numbers of cases, I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in my reply of 26th March to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker). The whole matter is under inquiry by a Committee appointed by the Medical Research Council. A first report was issued last year and another is in course of preparation. The main remedial measure so far suggested is improvement of illumination in mines, and on this very difficult problem the Miners' Lamps Committee has been at work for five years and has published memoranda containing useful suggestions. Everything that the Department can do to stimulate improvements in lighting is being done, and I am glad to know that this important subject is more and more engaging the attention of the industry.