§ 65. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether steps are being taken to ensure that dust suppression measures are made compulsory at all pits.
§ Mr. GaitskellDust suppression measures for the prevention of pneumoconiosis are being extended and developed, mainly under a voluntary scheme agreed by my Department with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers. Coalfield committees on which the Board, the Union and His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines are represented, stimulate and supervise the work, which is making satisfactory progress. In addition, however, statutory powers exist to require the compulsory adoption of dust suppression measures at mines in South Wales, where the bulk of the cases occur, although in practive the Inspectors of Mines have not had occasion to exercise these powers.