HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 cc733-4W
Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many mines inspectors are required to be recruited to bring the team to full strength.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the number of mines inspectors required to be recruited to bring the team to full strength is 10.

Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the total numbers of mines inspectors required for the coal mining industry.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the total number of authorised posts for mines inspectors is 119.

Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from tie mining industry about the under-recruitment of the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate.

Mr. May hew

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Concannon

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the appointment and background of chief inspectors to the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate since its incorporation into the Health and Safety Executive in 1975.

Mr. Mayhew

The appointment and background of the chief inspectors of the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate since its incorporation into the Health and Safety Executive in 1975 were as follows:

Mr. J. Carver—Underground workman to assistant manager in the coal mining industry. Appointed to Civil Service in 1947 via open competition as assistant inspector of mines and quarries. Promoted chief inspector 1975.

Mr. L. D. Rhydderch—Postgraduate experience in coal mining before appointment as colliery under-manager, later manager. Appointed to Civil Service in 1950, via open competition, as inspector of mines and quarries. Promoted chief inspector 1977.

Mr. J. S. Marshall—Postgraduate experience in coal mining, prior to appointment as under-manager. Appointed to Civil Service in 1950, via open competition as an inspector of mines and quarries. Promoted to chief inspector in 1979.