asked the Minister for Energy, in view of the evidence of the damage to health attributable to working in the coal industry contained in the journal the Lancet, a copy of which is in his possession, whether he will direct the National Coal Board to draw up plans for improving the working conditions and general environment of this industry.

There have been considerable improvements in the mining environment over the past 20 years and marked reductions in the incidence of diseases associated with mining. The board is continuing its efforts.I have had extensive consultation with both sides of industry on new comprehensive regulations which I hope will be operative during the year. They provide for the measurement and reduction of respirable dust levels and medical supervision of those at risk.

asked the Minister for Energy if he will prepare publicity material on the medical effects of mining coal upon those engaged in the mining industry, as a health warning to those contemplating entering the industry.

asked the Minister for Energy if he will instruct his health department to compile information on the medical effects of mining coal upon those engaged in the mining industry in Scotland so as to assist those contemplating entering the industry.

Statistical information about industrial diseases in coal mines is published in the annual reports of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines and Quarries, and the published annual reports of the National Coal Board's Medical Service give a detailed account of medical conditions in the industry.