§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the present accident trend in the coal mining industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantI understand from the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the long-term trend in coal mining accidents is downwards although fluctuations can occur from year to year. The number of transport accidents gives cause for concern and considerable effort is being expended by the industry and by the Health and Safety Executive in an attempt to mitigate this problem.
There can be no cause for satisfaction while miners continue to be killed and injured at work.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the recommended number of Her Majesty's inspectors to cover the coal mining industry in the United Kingdom; what is the 431W actual number at the most recent date; what are the reasons for the deficiency; and what are his proposals for correcting the position.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the complement of Her Majesty's Mines and Quarries Inspectorate, including the post of chief inspector of mines and quarries, but excluding civil engineering inspectors and those appointed solely to carry out inspections of quarries, is 105. Those in post number 96.
The main reason why the inspectorate is under-staffed is the difficulty of attracting recruits from the mining industry. The Health and Safety Executive, however, is currently holding an open competition for recruitment to the inspector grade.