Mines and Quarries Act 1954

Investigations

121 Power of Minister to require special report on accident or other dangerous occurrence

Where there occurs at a mine or quarry an accident or other occurrence (being in either case one of which notice is required by this Act to be given) the Minister may, at any time, direct an inspector to make a special report with respect thereto, and the Minister may cause any such report to be made public at such time and in such manner as he thinks fit.

122 Power of Minister to direct public inquiry into accident or other dangerous occurrence

(1) The Minister may, where he thinks it expedient so to do, direct a public inquiry to be held into an accident or other occurrence at a mine or quarry (being in either case one of which notice is required by this Act to be given) and of its causes and circumstances.

(2) The provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to any such inquiry.

(3) Where the Minister directs a public inquiry to be held into such an accident or other occurrence as aforesaid in Scotland, being one causing the death of any person, no inquiry with regard to that death shall, unless the Lord Advocate otherwise directs, be held in pursuance of the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act, 1895.