§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether he intends to revise upwards the maximum number of employees allowed to work below ground at licensed coalmines;
(2) what are the maximum permitted numbers of employees to work below ground in a licensed coalmine (a) in any single shift, (b) in any 24-hour period and (c) in any production week.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe Coal Industry Act 1990 raised the limit on the number of men that could be employed to work underground in a licensed deep mine from 30 to 150. The Government have no plans to raise this limit further.