§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the report will be issued on the effect of the interim gravimetric dust standard introduced into coal mines in March, 1970; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EmeryBecause pneumoconiosis is slow to develop, the effects on the incidence of the disease of any new measures for its control are not apparent for many years. I am particularly concerned to secure further improvement in the control of the disease.
The National Joint Pneumoconiosis Committee will be reviewing the experience of the last two years at a meeting I am calling. Meanwhile the hon. Member will be glad to know that the National Coal Board has succeeded in obtaining a significant overall improvement in dust conditions in the coal mines since the introduction of gravimetric sampling.