asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to report upon the inquiries of his Department into the incidence of miners' phthisis among men engaged in rock-drilling by the use of compressed-air machines?

I am not in a position to give any general conclusions, for the inquiry in question was confined to three mines. But its result was to support the apprehension that, in those mines, rock drilling may be dangerous to health. I have arranged for a more extensive inquiry to be put in hand at once. Meantime the inspectors are taking up the question of precautionary measures at the three mines.

Will the hon. Member get information to help the Commission to come to a right conclusion on this subject? Will he invite evidence from the workmen and the medical men?

I should imagine the Commission are quite capable of doing that for themselves. If the hon. Member thinks that any evidence has not been brought forward, I should be glad to hear of it.