asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, with a view to minimising the incidence of silicosis in the tin mines in this country, he will ensure that intending miners are medically examined before they take up work and that all tin-miners have the benefit of periodical medical examinations.

Whilst I am in full sympathy with the hon. Member's desire that all steps should be taken to minimise the incidence of this disease, I regret that the difficulty of finding doctors with the special experience necessary to carry out the examinations makes it impossible for me at the present time to propose the extension of the statutory requirement which he suggests, but the matter will be kept under review.