§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present complement of coal mines inspectors; and if he has any proposals to increase the number of mines inspectors.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Health and Safety Executive's mines inspectorate inspects all mining operations, including coal mines. On 1 March 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 48 mines inspectors in HSE. The executive has no plans to increase this number.