Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make financial support available to improve health and safety (a) at Boulby Potash mine and (b) in the mining industry.

The Government does not provide individual businesses or the mining industry with financial support to help them meet their health and safety duties. Protection of employees, or others who may be affected by work activities, is the responsibility of those who create the health and safety risks. The Health and Safety Executive’s programme of work for the mines industry is described further on its website (http://www.hse.gov.uk/mining/programme.htm).