asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what research he has made into equipment capable of burning and utilising large accumulations of pit-mound with a view to finding employ. ment for it in certain circumstances; and whether he will make a statement.

My Department has given advice on the design of a device to burn coal of very high ash content and has encouraged the private development of a combustion chamber for this purpose. The work is proceeding and, if it is successful, the possibility of the economic utilisation of material in existing pit mounds can be examined. In addition, I understand that the results of research now being conducted by the National Coal Board may have a bearing on this problem.