§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a request to our European coal and steel partners to finance jointly a top level team of experts for the specific purpose of improving dust suppression methods in coal mining, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. VarleyWork on improving dust suppression methods in coal mines has been an important specific activity of the European Coal and Steel Community since 1957 and is being energetically continued. The Community has financed meetings of experts, aided numerous research projects and disseminated their results by means of its publications and international symposia. The British coal industry and my Department are closely involved. In the circumstances I see no reason for any further initiative.