§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy what efforts are being made on research on further development of mining technology.
§ Mr. EadieThe annual report of the National Coal Board's Mining Research and Development Establishment describes in some detail the efforts that the Board are making on further development of mining technology. Particular emphasis is being laid upon the automatic remote control and monitoring of mining operations, tunnelling, transport underground, and improving the working environment of the mineworker. In addition, the manufacturers of mining equipment are engaged in a substantial development effort in pursuit of the same object-
420Wto conform with accepted codes of practice, including those of the Institute of Petroleum.