HC Deb 05 December 1989 vol 163 cc115-6W
Mr. Maxton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will state the numbers of men employed underground in privately owned mines on 3 April 1989 as recorded in the registers which are required to be maintained under the terms of section 2(1) of the 1908 Act.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Daily tallies for the number of men working underground in licensed mines are not collected centrally. British Coal does, however, give a total figure for the end of each financial year in its annual report and accounts, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

Mr. Maxton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the average number of hours worked below ground by mineworkers and deputies in 1978 and in 1988.

Mr. Michael Spicer

This is a matter for British Coal. I have asked the chairman of British Coal to write to the hon. Member.

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