§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what advice he has given British Coal in regard to the implementation of the new mine safety regulation and codes of practice; and if he proposes to offer any guidance to ensure that British Coal properly implements the proposed arrangements and that there is no attempt to unilaterally amend them in practice.
§ Mr. NichollsMy right hon. Friend has not given any advice to British Coal on this matter. Regulations and codes of practice approved under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act have the force of law.