§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information her Department has on links between asthma and opencast coal mining; and what role her Department is playing in the current review of the coal industry.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Health and Safety Executive, which is concerned with the health and safety effects of work activity on both employees and others, has no60W information that establishes a link between asthma and opencast coal mining. The Health and Safety Commission is always prepared to advise on health and safety matters, but it has no direct role in the current review of the coal industry which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.