§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on the experiment that was undertaken by British Coal during the summer of 1988 at Cynheidre, Betws, and Blaenant colleries regarding the speed of rescue services; and if he will publish such results as are available in theOfficial Report.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is a matter for the British Coal Corporation, which is aware of no such experiment. I understand that the corporation undertakes an annual emergency exercise at each of its collieries.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made as to the extent to which the plans by British Coal to reorganise the mines rescue service by downgrading the Loughan rescue station from category A to category B will provide adequate safety cover for coal miners working at both British Coal and mines in private ownership.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is a matter for the British Coal Corporation, but I understand that the reclassification was discussed with the mines and quarries inspectorate.