WAYS to deal with the economic downturn's effect on the quarrying industry are to be publicly debated by a Question Time-style panel at the University of Derby.

The free event for those involved in the industry, students, business people and members of the public has been organised by the Institute of Quarrying's Derbyshire branch.

The panel of experts debating the subject will include Roy Bush, inspector of Health and Safety for HM Inspector of Quarries; Peter Barkwill, chairman of the Institute of Quarrying and Managing Director of aggregates supplier John Wainwright and Company Ltd; and Dr Miles Watkins, director of sustainable construction for Aggregate Industries Europe.

Also taking part are Andrew Hartley, University of Derby managing director for strategic developments, and Heather Wheeler, MP for South Derbyshire.

Nigel Morton, programme secretary for the Institute of Quarrying's Derbyshire branch, said: "With no apparent end in sight to the current economic downturn for the quarrying industry, this is a good time to discuss the impact this is having on issues such as health and safety, environmental standards, worker morale, education and future growth."

The panel chairman will be Peter Huxtable, secretary of the British Aggregates Association.

Questions can be submitted to the panel on the night before the debate begins, through the organisers or during it.

Joining the audience at the fourth annual James Cuthbert Memorial Event, which is named in honour of the contribution made to education about the industry by a late member of the Institute of Quarrying, will be staff and students involved with the university's diplomas in quarry technology and asphalt technology.

The debate will be held in the Courtroom at the university's Kedleston Road campus from 6.30pm onwards on Thursday, March 1.

To book a place to attend the free event, contact John McGough by e-mail at jhmcgough@yahoo.co.uk or call 01629 814167.