§ Mr. T. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that coal miners are subject to chronic pulmonary disease of a disabling nature which does not come within the accepted definition of silicosis; and whether the inclusion of this disease in the schedule of industrial diseases for the purpose of workmen' s compensation is contemplated?
§ Mr. LloydThe Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council, which is investigating the problem, has not yet reported that there is a specific pulmonary disease, other than silicosis, which can be distinguished as due to employment in coal mines and made the subject of a right to compensation under the Workmen' s Compensation Act. Until the existence of such a specific disease is established, my right hon. Friend is afraid he is not in a position to propose an extension of the Act in the direction suggested.