asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that large numbers of young men are enrolling for employment in the South African goldmines; and, if so, whether he considers it necessary to warn them of the dangers confronting them in such employment of contracting phthisis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in South African Goldmines.
I am aware that young men in this country are enrolling for employment in South African goldmines.
I understand that special precautions are taken by the authorities in such mines to safeguard the health of the workers and the existence of such precautions would appear to be prima facie evidence that the risk to health involved in working in such mines is considerably greater than in other employments. I do not, however, feel that I can accept responsibility for advising persons proposing to emigrate of the degree of danger to which their health may be exposed in the occupations they intend to follow abroad.