§ Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary for Mines whether steps can be taken to make it compulsory for all derelict mine workings to be adequately fenced off to prevent access by children or the public generally to deep unprotected shafts?
§ Commodore KINGUnder the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, where a mine is abandoned, or the working thereof discontinued, an obligation is imposed upon the owner thereof, and upon every other person interested in the minerals, to cause the top or entrance of every shaft or outlet to be kept surrounded by a structure of a permanent character sufficient to prevent accidents. Any shaft or outlet which is not kept so fenced constitutes a nuisance within the meaning of the Public Health Acts, and the responsibility for dealing with such cases rests with the local authorities. Similar provisions apply to metalliferous mines.