§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of certified cases of silicosis amongst miners in 1938; the increase in such cases over previous years, and which districts show the most pronounced increase; and if he can state what immediate measures are being taken to secure the adoption of preventive measures, and the character of such measures, pending the introduction of a new Coal Mines Act?
§ Mr. LloydFollowing is the information:
Coal Miners in Great Britain Certified under the Various Industries (Silicosis) [Schemes1931 and 1934. Year. Disablement cases. Cases of death not previously certified as disabled. 1936 325 22 1937 285 17 1938 437 16 The 1938 figures of new cases show increases of 151 and 112 over the 1937 and 1936 figures respectively. The largest increases occurred in the counties of Glamorgan and Carmarthen.
As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him to-day to another question on this subject and would add that the new technical posts recently created at headquarters include an additional inspector to deal with problems of the prevention and suppression of dangerous dusts.
§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been 2190W called to the reference in the Annual Report of His Majesty's inspector for the Swansea Division to the fact that such precautionary measures against silicosis as the use of mist spray during boring operations, and on dusty roads, are only in use at some of the collieries in the area, and that it is desirable that the adoption of this and other preventive measures shall be more widely adopted; and if he will state what steps are being taken to enforce the adoption of such measures?
§ Mr. LloydIn his report for 1938 His Majesty's Divisional Inspector for the Swansea Division specially recommends the use of mist sprays "when shot firing and before debris is filled out." I have at present no power to enforce the use of mist sprays but no opportunity is lost by His Majesty's inspectors of urging their use in suitable circumstances, and I am glad to say that the number in use in the Swansea Division is steadily increasing.