§ David WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the progress made by the working group set up in her Department on mine shafts; and when the working group is expected to finalise its conclusions. [126379]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Working Group has initiated and guided a range of measures aimed at ameliorating the impact of historic mineshafts, for example, work to establish the viability of non-invasive techniques for locating shafts in built environments and steps to encourage the reporting and treatment of shafts encountered in the course of building development. Other initiatives which will allow house owners and purchasers to take a more informed view on the significance of mineshafts will be launched later in the year. The Department will, in due course, consider when it would be sensible to wind the Group up and whether, at that time, to prepare a final report on its work.