§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking together with British Coal to reduce the 130 per cent, increase in underground fires between 1979 and 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsThe number of underground fires in mines owned by the British Coal Corporation increased from 68 in 1979 to 77 in 1985–86, an increase of about 13 per cent. The increasingly intensive use of plant during this period meant that the reduction in the number of mines had no significant effect on the potential of fire.
Reducing the number of underground fires is a primary objective of the Health and Safety Executive which is actively monitoring measures taken by British Coal. These include the application of more sophisticated inspection and detection techniques, the raising of standards in the specification, design, installation and maintenance of machinery and equipment and the continuing development of fire-resistant materials.