§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Home Secretary whether he can give particulars of the prevalence of silicosis in Lancashire; in what trades and callings it is particularly prevalent; and what steps, if any, are being taken on preventive and remedial lines to combat the same?
1986W
§ Mr. LloydI regret that separate information as to the incidence of silicosis in Lancashire is not available. The industries and processes in which this disease occurs are indicated in a Home Office memorandum, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. Preventive measures vary according to the nature of the industry, but the most important are mentioned in the memorandum. In addition to the general requirements of the Factory Acts for the protection of health, regulations specially directed against risks from silica and other dusts have been made for certain industries. Precautionary measures in mines and quarries are a matter for the Mines Department.