HC Deb 12 December 1988 vol 143 c468W
93. Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will commission an investigation of the link between dust from opencast workings and ill health and the report to Parliament.

Mr. Nicholls

Any proper investigation of links between opencast mining and ill health in people living nearby would require a long-term epidemiological study. There is no firm evidence that such a study would be worthwhile. However, the Health and Safety Executive will continue to monitor the position and will take account of any new evidence that may emerge.