Question
To ask His Majesty's Government how many residual coal tips they have identified in (1) England, (2) Wales and (3) Scotland which represent a potential safety hazard; and what progress has been made in establishing target dates for the completion of remedial action on each such registered hazard.
Answer
There are over 6,000 disused coal tips in Britain with 2,573 located in Wales. The majority of tips are in local authority or private ownership which includes legal responsibilities. Welsh Government released details of their work programme to address the tips issue including inspections/maintenance. https://www.gov.wales/coal-tip-safety
There is no central tips record in England or Scotland. The geological makeup of tip locations in Scotland and England, and previous reprofiling/restoration, has left a lower risk profile. The Mining Remediation Authority has contacted all Local Authorities reminding them of their responsibilities relating to the management of coal tips, offering support where required.