§ 1. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with the existing safety legislation that applies to open quarries; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister for Industry (Sir John Eden)This legislation is now being reviewed by the Committee on Safety and Health at Work chaired by Lord Robens. Any major revision must await their recommendations.
§ Mr. MadelIs my hon. Friend aware that great concern is felt by parents 2 for their children's safety when they live near open quarries? As there is to be a major extension of a quarry in my constituency in the near future, will my hon. Friend consider setting up a joint Environment and Trade and Industry study group to consider further all the implications of open quarries?
§ Sir J. EdenI shall certainly look at the point raised by my hon. Friend. However, he will know that if a quarry which is accessible to the public is not properly fenced it is deemed to be a statutory nuisance for the purposes of the Public Health Act, 1936, and that proceedings can be taken under that Act.