HC Deb 07 December 1988 vol 143 c231W
Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the accident rates of contractors to British Coal, he will take any measures to improve safety records of those companies through stricter enforcement of the relevant legislation.

Mr. Nicholls

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforce the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 and other legislation as it applies to contractors and their employees within mines. This Act and the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 also require British Coal and its managers to ensure the safety of contractors. British Coal has also recently taken action with its major contractors to improve safety standards and safety awareness.