§ Mr. H. Boardmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in 17W order to secure current data concerning the nitrous fume hazard in coal mines and the possible relationship with emphysema in shotfirers and associated workers, he will call for a report from Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines.
§ Mr. RidleyStudies which are at present being undertaken with the support of the National Coal Board at the Institute of Occupational Medicine and, in cooperation with certain hospitals in London and Durham, at the Institute of Diseases of the Chest and St. George's Hospital Medical School, will help to determine the likely incidence of emphysema in shot-firers as compared with other underground workers and the community at large. When the results of these studies are available the position will be reviewed. Recent investigations by Her Majesty's Inspectors
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES APPROVED Estimated Additional Employment ('000)* Number Males Total Northern Region 1968 278 14.9 20.2 1969 282 11.2 17.2 1970 244 12.1 18.2 Special Development Areas in Northern Region as at 31st December, 1970 1968 94 7.2 9.5 1969 88 6.0 8.5 1970 70 7.0 8.8 * Applicants' estimates of the additional employment expected to arise when the projects are complete and fully manned. Information as to the number of jobs created is not available.