§ Sir Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has now established a Black Country limestone advisory panel; and if he has any plans to establish similar bodies in all the other predominantly limestone regions of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneFollowing the publication in July 1983 of a study report on the stability problems of abandoned limestone mines in the black country, the panel was established to advise the Secretary of State on the type of monitoring and remedial works required and the relative importance and cost effectiveness of individual schemes. Expert advice from the panel is helping to ensure that priorities for remedial treatment are identified and that the resources available are used in the most effective way. There are no plans to establish similar bodies elsewhere.