§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied that regulations issued by her Department to schools in the Derbyshire area are proving to be effective in deterring unauthorised underground visits by school parties to old mine workings.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy Department has no power to issue regulations on this matter. However, it does issue guidance to school and local education authorities in a series of safety booklets which include advice both in general about the dangers which may arise during school visits, and specifically that all mines should be treated with the greatest respect and caution. Additionally, I understand that the Derbyshire education authority has instructed the head teachers of its schools that disused mine workings should not under any circumstances be used for field study visits.