HC Deb 17 January 1997 vol 288 c418W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the research carried out by his Department, since January 1994, into possible environmental health problems caused by opencast coal operations, indicating(a) the commissioning dates of the investigations, (b) the name of organisations or agencies commissioned to undertake investigations and (c) the expected dates for publication of results; and if he will provide summaries of the investigations undertaken. [11358]

Mr. Horam

The Departments of Health and of the Environment commissioned a joint research project on the impact of particulate matter from opencast coal sites on public health in August 1996. The research is being undertaken by the University of Newcastle medical school and the work is expected to be complete in late October 1998. This work is still in its early stages. I will write to the hon. Member with details of what it involves.