§ 64. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on his proposals in connection with the research unit established by the South Wales and Monmouthshire coal-owners.
§ Mr. GaitskellI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the research unit which was housed in and mainly staffed by University College, South Wales, and was chiefly concerned with the problems of dust estimation and suppression. The National Coal Board have arranged both for long-term research into these questions on a national basis, and also for the establishment in the South Western and other divisions of a Scientific Control Organisation to investigate local day-to-day mining problems and especially the measuring, control and suppression of dust. Provision has also been made for special research on the spot into problems of this kind which are peculiar to South Wales. The excellent work done by the research unit is, therefore, being234W carried on and extended by the National Coal Board within their own organisation.