§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what comparisons he has made of health and safety procedures and monitoring between the present privately owned collieries and those formerly state owned. [38683]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordNone. The Health and Safety Executive inspectorate of mines makes regular inspections of coal mines. All mine operators are subject to the Mines and Quarries Act 1954, the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969 and the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. These Acts apply to mines irrespective of ownership arrangements.