§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that mineworkers employed underground by sub-contractors are covered by the same safety regulations as those employed by the mine owner, particularly in relation to free medical checks. [37632]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMineworkers employed underground by sub-contractors are subject to the same health, safety and welfare provisions as those employed by the mine owner. In particular, it is the duty of any employer of persons at work at a mine, including sub-contractors, to ensure that they are provided with such health surveillance as is appropriate. Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 provides that no employer shall charge any employee for anything provided in pursuance of a relevant statutory provision.