§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he takes to monitor the physical size of coal tips currently being created to ensure that they do not grow to a size that might present a safety hazard.
§ Mr. John GrantI have been asked to reply.
64WI am advised by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the building of coal tips—that is, stockpiles of coal—is an activity which is subject to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Enforcement of the requirements of that Act is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive, whose inspectors take account of the size of coal tips when carrying out their duties under the Act.
I am also advised that the tipping of refuse from coal mines is controlled under Part I of the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969 and subordinate regulations, which are enforced by Her Majesty's inspectors of mines and quarries of the Health and Safety Executive.