§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to amend the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 to make mine owners liable for the cost of clean up of any aquatic or land contamination caused by the mine.
§ Mr. BaldryNo. The Mines and Quarries Act 1954 is concerned with the health and safety of those working in the industry, not with pollution. All new mines have conditions regulating their operation and restoration, enforceable by local authorities. Derelict land grant is available for reclaiming land at mines which have closed without restoration conditions. The NRA has powers under section 161 of the Water Resources Act 1991 to make remedial action where water pollution has occurred and to recover the cost of taking such action from the person who caused the pollution.