asked the Minister of National Insurance how many cases of presumed pneumoconiosis and silicosis have been submitted to the medical board at Sheffield, from the county of Nottinghamshire, in each of the last five years; and in how many cases was a certificate granted.

The number of applications for certificates from workmen in Nottinghamshire dealt with by the Silicosis Medical Board under all the Compensation Schemes for Pneumoconiosis (including Silicosis and Asbestosis) is as follows:

asked the Minister of National Insurance what information he has about the prevalence of silicosis and pneumoconiosis in the slate quarries in Caernarvonshire; and whether he will make a scheme in respect of the industry under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.

Workmen employed underground in slate mines have been covered by a Compensation Scheme for silicosis since 1st January, 1940. There appears to be no evidence as to the occurrence of the disease in the open quarry workings, but recently evidence has been obtained of the occurrence of pneumoconiosis, including silicosis, amongst men employed in the splitting and dressing sheds, and my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider an appropriate extension of the Scheme to men employed in these processes.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of applications received during the past 12 months from among slate quarrymen and miners of North Wales for certification by the Silicosis Medical Board; what number were granted certificates; and whether any changes are contemplated in the Silicosis Order applicable to the industry.

The number of such applications dealt with by the Silicosis Medical Board during the twelve months ended 31st May, 1945, was 43, of which 37 were granted certificates. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Seaborne Davies) to-day.