§ 21. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the composition of the new committee to be established to consider safety in mines; the terms of reference given to the committee; and the date on which it may be expected to report.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI know of no proposal to set up a new committee to consider safety in mines.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreI understand that a statement was made by one of the right hon. Gentleman's colleagues only 10 days ago that a completely new investigation was to be made into safety in mines in consultation with the Minister and the National Union of Mineworkers. Was that statement untrue?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerInvestigation is, of course, going on constantly, as I have said frequently, both here and elsewhere. Scientific research into health and safety has the highest priority. We are going to give it even greater support than hitherto, but my hon. Friend said nothing about a new committee; no new committee is required.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreIs no new action being taken by the Minister at all, nothing except the normal methods employed before?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. New action is constantly being taken. I have instituted special investigations into noninflammable conveyor belts, into the detection of fire and heating and into safety breathing apparatus in the last few months.
§ Mr. Peter RobertsWill the right hon. Gentleman issue the results of these findings so that we can see what are the results?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will certainly consider in what form the results can be made public.