§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give details of the rescue operation at High Moor colliery on 13 January leading to the freeing of 10 trapped miners.
§ Mr. NichollsThe widely reported operation involved overcoming the hazard presented by a fall of roof extending over a length of approximately 30 metres, resulting in the need to mount the recovery in potentially hazardous conditions.
The rescue operation at High Moor, which led to the freeing of the 10 trapped men, demonstrated the traditional expertise and bravery of miners in dealing with such a hazardous situation. The co-operative efforts of all concerned, led by the colliery manager and colliery TU officials, to save life even at great personal risk, was the main factor in the success of the operation.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement of the medical and other types of assistance which were given to the 10 miners who were rescued following an accident at High Moor colliery on 13 January.
§ Mr. NichollsDuring the operation the full range of medical services provided by the south Yorkshire area of British Coal were readily available at the mine, and a mine nursing sister was present underground to give any necessary assistance.
After the trapped men were freed and brought to the surface, they were examined at the colliery medical centre before being allowed home. No major injuries were suffered by any of the men.
Mine rescue teams with specialised rescue equipment made a rapid response to the emergency. A district inspector from the Health and Safety Executive's mine and quarries inspectorate was underground during the rescue. A principal district inspector was also at the mine to assist in the organisation of the rescue, together with senior officials of both British Coal and the trade unions.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give details of the action he has taken to ensure the safety of operations at High Moor colliery following the accident on 13 January in which 10 miners were trapped following a collapse of 30 m of the roof in its main gate heading.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Health and Safety Executive's mines and quarries inspectorate began its investigation on 16 January 1989. Due to the need to ensure safe conditions for this investigation it will be some time before the cause of the roof collapse can be established. Any action necessary as a result of the investigation will be taken by the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list accidents and other reportable incidents at High Moor colliery since 1985.
§ Mr. NichollsThe information tabled is for the last four calendar years.
284W
Fatal Major injuries Dangerous occurrences +3-day accidents 1985 — 2 1 — 1 1986 — 5 — 1 85 1987 — 8 2 53 1988 1 4 — 29 1The introduction of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations on I April 1986 required the recording of "plus three-day" accidents. The 1986 figure for these accidents represents a nine-month period only.