§ Mr. G. Elfed Daviesasked the Minister of Power when he will publish the new draft regulations concerning explosives and shot firing in the coal mining industry; and if, in view of the concern expressed in the Report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines for 1967, he will deal urgently with this matter.
§ Mr. MasonThe present Coal Mines (Explosives) Regulations, 1961, provide a good practical working code for all those engaged in shotfiring and there is no doubt that scrupulous attention to their requirements would reduce the number of accidents considerably. The regulations are being revised in the ordinary course; extensive consultations will be necessary, and I hope to publish a new draft towards the end of the year.