HC Deb 14 May 2002 vol 385 cc526-7W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Restricted Committee of the Safety and Health Commission for the Mining and other extractive industries is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55240]

Dr. Whitehead

I have been asked to reply.

The Restricted Committee of the Safety and Health Commission for the Mining and Other Extractive Industries (SCHMOEI) is a committee comprising representatives from the governments of the member states of the European Union which meets immediately prior to the full meetings of the main committee. Its role is to prepare the meetings of the main committee which is a tripartite body.

SCHMOEI's terms of reference include: following the developments regarding health and safety in coalmines and other extractive industries especially in matters of accident prevention; advising on the issues involved in compiling comparable accident statistics; facilitating the exchange of information and experience among persons responsible for health and safety matters; proposing appropriate measures for ensuring the necessary liaison among the rescue services of the Community countries.

The UK members of the restricted committee are the Health and Safety Executive's Chief Inspector of Mines and the Head of Division with responsibility for safety policy for mining and other extractive industries.

The committee meets twice a year. The secretariat is provided by the European Commission, which provides interpreting services etc. The European Commission also pays the travel expenses of the representatives. The costs to UK public funds are therefore the accommodation costs for the staff attending meetings (less than £1000 per year) and their salary costs.

SCHMOEI publishes an annual report. As a tripartite body its meetings are open to representatives of employers and employees.

The European Commission has published proposals to merge SCHMOEI with the main Advisory Committee on Safety and Health.