§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, having regard to the considerable increase in the numbers of men who are being certified as disabled by pneumoconiosis, he will make a statement of the steps now being taken to prevent this disease; and at how many collieries effective preventive measures have been adopted.
Major Lloyd GeorgeMeasures are being taken to prevent pneumoconiosis chiefly by using water to suppress the dust that is the cause of the disease. In the coal faces, the most effective measure so far developed is usually the application of water—in quantity which, to avoid other dangers, must be carefully controlled —either by infusion under pressure through boreholes into the coal before it is worked, or by "wet cutting," in which a jet of water is directed on to the picks as the coal-cutting machine works along the face. These two methods have been largely developed and applied in South Wales, where approximately 41,921 yards of coalface are being so treated, about 15,975 yards by wet-cutting and 25,946 yards by water infusion. Special arrangements have been made to ensure to the collieries on a high priority basis the large quantities of water piping required. In hard heading work the older methods of wet drilling or collecting the dust produced by dry-drilling continue to be employed, and mist sprays are used to suppress dust caused by blasting.
I am glad of this opportunity of paying tribute to the fine work in South Wales of the joint committee of owners and workmen's representatives and the two Divisional Inspectors, which is doing all in its power to speed progress and improve the methods.