§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning horses working underground in coal and mineral mining; and if he will make a statement. [65490]
§ Mr. George HowarthThis Department has received 10 letters and a petition.
The Coal and Other Mines (Horses) Regulations 1956 set out the requirements about the use of horses and ponies in mines. The Mines Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive, which is responsbile for enforcing the legislation, have found no evidence of the maltreatment of any horses and ponies used in mines.