asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent occurrence of lung trouble among barytes miners and quarrymen in the Minsterley and Pontesbury district of Shropshire, and in particular to the death from silicosis of John Richards, of 9, Top Road, Pontesbury Hill, on 21st May; whether His Majesty's inspectors of mines have inspected and reported upon the conditions under which work is carried on; and whether he is satisfied that every possible precaution is being taken to safeguard the workers from this danger?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank):

I have received no information of cases of industrial pulmonary disease in this district except at one barytes mine; and at this mine proper precautions are being taken following a thorough inspection of the conditions by His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines. The case of John Richards has not previously been brought to my notice, and I am having it investigated.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the silicosis regulations apply to this case?

Captain CROOKSHANK:

I could not say that without notice, but the inspectors have been there to make every possible arrangement to avoid risk.