§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects the report of the public inquiry into the winding accident at Markham Colliery to be available.
§ Mr. VarleyThe report on the causes and circumstances of this tragic occurrence in which 18 miners lost their lives was laid before Parliament yesterday and will be published today. Despite the good safety record of winding engines and the fact that this is the first over-wind accident since nationalisation to have fatal consequences, the accident causes me great concern. Vigorous action has since been taken to check all similar braking systems and to replace certain components.
I have also seen an interim report of the National Committee for Safety of Manriding in Shafts and Unwalkable Outlets which was set up immediately after the public inquiry and in which both sides of the industry are represented as well as Her Majesty's inspectors of mines and the Safety in Mines Research Establishment. The committee is reviewing all aspects of winding and has already reached conclusions in line with the recommendations in the Chief Inspector's report, a number of which are already being put into effect. The National Coal Board has established a co-ordinating committee to monitor progress and to ensure that technical decisions are implemented without loss of time. I have asked the Chief Inspector to take parallel action and to keep me informed.