§ Mr. Harperasked the Minister of Power what research is at present being conducted both by his Department and the National Coal Board on accident causation and prevention; what sums
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§ Mr. PeytonThe following is the information asked for:
are annually being spent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Safety in Mines Research Establishment is carrying out a comprehensive programme of research into mining hazards and the means of preventing them. Safety is also an important objective of the work carried out at the National Coal Board's research and engineering establishments. Full accounts of the work are given in the Annual Reports of these Establishments, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies. The direct cost of the Safety in Mines Research Establishment is about £500,000 in the current financial year and that of the relevant research in the Board's current programme is about £300,000. My right hon. Friend keeps these programmes under review with the help of the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Board.