§ Mr. JENKINSasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a number of miners in South Wales are suffering from silicosis and unable to follow their employment, and a number of these cases certified as suffering from such disease have proved fatal and their dependants have not been able to secure any compensation; and will he take steps to remove the percentage of silica in the present regulation and make it applicable for compensation as other diseases in the mines.
§ Mr. CLYNESCertain cases in which hardship is alleged to have been caused by the limitation of the scheme to rocks containing more than 50 per cent. free silica have been brought to my notice and, as explained in replies to questions asked on 5th June and 1st July by the hon. Member for Carmarthen, these cases are the subject of special inquiry arranged by the Mines Department. I propose to review the position as soon as the results of this investigation are available.
§ Mr. JENKINSasked the Home Secretary what number of miners have applied for compensation as a result of suffering from silicosis; what number have been paid compensation; and what number have been refused and the reasons for refusals?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe returns so far received show that there were 12 cases from coal mines in 1929 in which compensation was paid for silicosis. I regret I cannot give the number of claims refused or reasons for the refusal.