HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 c217W
65. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the progress made in combating silicosis and pneumoconiosis amongst coal miners; to what extent the measures now taken are proving adequate; and what further measures are contemplated.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

In South Wales, where full-scale dust suppression first started, the total number of new cases in 1953 was 1,069, as compared with 3,774 in 1949. Corresponding figures for the whole country were 4,048 in 1953 and 5,807 in 1949.

I am advised that the National Coal Board is making substantial progress with its dust suppression programme, and further investigation is constantly proceeding, under the Board's "Twenty-pit" scheme and other types of research.