HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 cc1024-5
5. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what financial aid is being provided by the European Community for British research projects on safety and health in the mining industry.

Mr. Eadie

In 1973 the European Communities authorised financial assistance totalling £287,400. Applications for further assistance are at present under consideration. The results of all research aided from Community funds are, of course, freely available to member countries.

Mr. Skeet

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the large contributions from the Common Market are a further reason why we should remain a member? Will he do his best to persuade all his colleagues that we should remain inside the Community? Will he also indicate where funds would come from if not from the Community source?

Mr. Eadie

There is no doubt that the sums of money allocated are going towards a very important function—some sums dealing with safety and some with health. The hon. Gentleman has made up his mind about the Common Market question, but perhaps the British people will have an opportunity to make up their minds as well.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will my hon. Friend consider expending more and more money on research into pneumoconiosis? Is he not aware that this disease is a deterrent to young people who might wish to enter the mining industry, and that the more we can do in this field the better?

Mr. Eadie

I could not agree more strongly with my hon. Friend about allocating sums of money to carry out research into this disease. A slice of the money mentioned in my main answer has been allocated for this purpose. What the National Coal Board has recently put on at the Dust Control Exhibition shows how much attention the board has given to this disease.

Mr. Brewis

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm the statement by his former colleague, Mr. George Thomson, that the British coal industry has received £23 million in the past three months to modernise equipment and improve safety? If that is the case, will the hon. Gentleman bring it to the notice of the National Union of Mineworkers?

Mr. Eadie

I am not in a position to confirm statements made by other Members of this House, or by people outside the House. No doubt what the hon. Gentleman has said will arouse interest.