§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how pit safety in the privatised mining industry is currently regulated. [38491]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe newly privatised mining industry is subject to the same regulatory regime for health and safety as its predecessor. All mines are subject to the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 as well as the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 and the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969. An extensive range of regulations applicable to mines has been made under both the 1954 and 1974 Acts. The Health and Safety Commission is the regulatory body and the Health and Safety Executive, through its inspectorate of mines, is the enforcing authority.