§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of the research being undertaken in the United Kingdom into uses for colliery waste, including information regard the location of any establishments concerned in this work, the number of personnel involved and the expenditure incurred.
§ Mr. EadieI am informed that research into uses of colliery waste is being undertaken at the Coal Research Establishment of the National Coal Board, the Building Research Establishment (DOE) and the Transport and Road Research Laboratory (DOE). A plant is currently in operation for the production of 500,000 tonnes per annum of lightweight aggregate for use in the construction industry. Other possible uses being investigated are dense aggregates for use in building construction, base material in road construction, special blocks for replacing wood in underground colliery operations, and as a source of alumina. The number of personnel in all three establishments working on the use of colliery waste is equivalent to about 20 full-time staff, with current expenditure being of the order of £200,000 per annum.