§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the accident rate and the percentage change in fatal and major injury accidents in(a) private licensed mines and (b) British Coal operated mines between the period 1985–86 and 1986–87; and what is the latest trend in these figures.
§ Mr. NichollsThe table gives the available information for the years 1985–86 and 1986–87, based on a rate per 1,000 employed. It is not possible to indicate any trend as licensed mines employment figures are not available for 1987–88.
Year Fatal rate Percentage change Major injury rate Percentage change Licensed mines 1985–86 0.75 +214 12.82 +76 11986–87 2.26 22.6 British Coal mines 1985–86 0.18 -33 4.62 +64 11986–87 0.12 7.59 Figures for licensed mines are based on workforce figures supplied by British Coal. 1 The introduction of RIDDOR Regulations on 1 April 1986 widened the coverage of serious accident categories. The figures for 1986–87 are not directly comparable with earlier years.
§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of the increase in the rate of fatal and major injury accidents in private licensed mines, he will make it his policy not to lift the safety restrictions on small private mines.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Mines and Quarries Act 1954 and associated legislation is currently being reviewed and the provisions relating to licensed mines will be included in the exercise. The review is subject to full consultation with both sides of the industry.
§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number of fatal accidents in private licensed mines since April 1988, giving a comparable rate of fatalities per 1,000 people employed for(a) such mines and (b) mines operated by British Coal.
§ Mr. NichollsSince April 1988, there have been two fatalities at licensed coal mines and six fatalities at British Coal mines. It is not possible to give a comparable rate as the current figures for people employed at licensed mines is not available.