HC Deb 27 May 1988 vol 134 cc391-2W
Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations there have been with the National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers over the replacement of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954.

Mr. Nicholls

The Health and Safety Commission and Executive has consulted the National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers on the renewal of mines and quarries legislation. This forms part of the extensive consultation programme which involves all interested parties within the mining and quarrying industries. In particular a series of meetings has been held with all the coal mining unions about the most advanced of the mining legislative packages, the proposed Mines (Safety of Exit) Regulations and approved code of practice.

Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations there have been with the National Union of Mineworkers on the replacement of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954.

Mr. Nicholls

The Health and Safety Commission and Executive has consulted the National Union of Mineworkers on the renewal of mines and quarries legislation. This forms part of the extensive consultation programme which involves all interested parties within the mining and quarrying industries. In particular a series of meetings has been held with all the coal mining unions about the most advanced of the mining legislative packages, the proposed Mines (Safety of Exit) Regulations and approved code of practice.

Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he intends to bring legislation before Parliament to replace the Mines and Quarries Act 1954.

Mr. Nicholls

The intention is to replace the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 with some 15 sets of regulations accompanied by codes of practice. The Health and Safety Commission is considering the first such set on safety of mines exits, and will shortly have before it proposals on quarries (explosives), with a view to submission to the Secretary of State for laying before Parliament. Further sets of regulations will follow. It is expected that the programme will be completed in the early 1990s.