§ 64. Mr. DUNNICOasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Stanley urban district council has been compelled to build houses to meet the needs of the locality; that the only land available that met with the approval of the Commissioner of the Ministry was land containing the Reservation Clause with regard to damage caused by subsidence; that the council therefore had no alternative but to accept this land; that as soon as building operations commenced the colliery company notified the council that they intended to work the coal underneath; and that these houses, built by public money, are likely to be damaged in the near future; and whether, in view of these conditions, which affect other areas also, he is prepared to ask for powers to eliminate such Clauses; from future purchases of land?
Mr. GREENWOODThe urban district council in question acquired areas of land at South Stanley and Stanley Edge for the erection of houses under the State assisted scheme for 1919. The minerals under the land are leased to a colliery company. The sites were selected by the council, and in applying for my Department's sanction to the purchase of the South Stanley site they stated that in their opinion it was by far the most eligible land available in their district for housing development. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the intentions of the colliery company in regard to the working of the coal. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend will be aware that the general question of mining subsidence is under consideration by the Royal Commission.