HC Deb 16 December 1963 vol 686 c145W
42 and 43. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what action he is taking or has taken on the general problem of mineral dust in industry as a result of his study of the report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research based on a symposium held by the British Ceramic Research Association at Stoke-on-Trent in December, 1961;

(2) what action he has taken or is taking on the particular problem of pneumoconiosis in the pottery industry, coal mines, foundries and asbestos works, as a result of his study of the report from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, based on the British Ceramic Research Association symposium at Stoke-on-Trent in December, 1961.

Mr. Godber

Legislation requiring safeguards against hazardous dusts is contained in the Factories Act and in Regulations applying to particular processes and industries, including potteries, foundries and the asbestos industry. Further progress largely depends on the development of practical methods of eliminating or controlling dust. Valuable work to this end has been done by the Joint Standing Committees which advises me on health, safety and welfare in potteries and foundries, by Research Associations and by individual firms; the symposium to which the hon. Member refers, provided a valuable exchange of views between the experts working in this field. The Factory Inspectorate is regularly engaged in the investigation of methods of dust suppression and in furthering their application.