§ 72. Mr. Kelleyasked the Minister of Power if he will take powers to ensure that Regulation 7 of the Coal and Other Mines (Mechanics and Electricians) 12W Regulations, 1956, is fully operative at all places of work to which the Regulations apply.
§ Mr. GeorgeNo. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to ask Parliament to amend the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, so as to detract from the manager's responsibility for the safe working of the mine in accordance with the Act and regulations.
§ 73. Mr. Kelleyasked the Minister of Power in how many reports received by him dealing with fatal accidents in mines it has been stated by the person reporting that certain safety regulations have not been carried out due to shortage of staff on the part of the National Coal Board; and if he will list such reports.
§ Mr. GeorgeI cannot without very considerable research give a precise figure, but I can assure the hon. Member that the number is very small.
§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that the report of Her Majesty's Divisional Inspector of Mines on a recent mining fatality in Yorkshire reveals that certain provisions of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954 were not being carried out, that safety regulations were being ignored, and that these factors contributed to the cause of the explosion; and what steps he intends to take in the matter.
§ Mr. GeorgeYes. My right hon. Friend is now discussing with the National Coal Board and other interested authorities, the best means of preventing a recurrence of the circumstances which gave rise to this accident.