§ 86. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when loans are made to those who are sinking the new coal pits in Kent, conditions are made for preserving as far as possible the amenities of the countryside; whether smoke abatement devices are insisted upon at each pit- 1925 head; and if conditions are laid down as to whether the pits are to be worked by steam or electricity?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo conditions of the kind indicated by my Noble Friend are attached to the guarantee which the Treasury has agreed to give to Messrs. Pearson and Dorman Long, Limited. But, as stated the other day by the Minister of Health, a joint advisory town-planning committee is watching the development of the area.
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the fact that in the past so much of this country has been blackened and had its beauty spoiled by coal pits, and seeing that we are guaranteeing £2,000,000 to these people, is it too much to ask that they shall use it decently and not disfigure the countryside?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, I do not think it is asking at all too much, and I hope it will be done.
§ Mr. BARKERWill the right hon. Gentleman see that pit-head baths are provided at these collieries?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIs it not the fact that the beauty of the countryside is to be kept unspoiled to a great extent by the use of electricity at these collieries?
§ Mr. McNEILLMy hon. Friend probably knows quite as well as I do what is to be done. It is to be hoped that the amenities of the countryside will be preserved.