HC Deb 04 May 1939 vol 346 cc2064-6
58. Mr. Marshall

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a Sheffield firm proposes to build a steel factory at Edale; that such a project, if carried out, will destroy one of the most beautiful areas in Derbyshire; and will he, before a final decision is taken, cause a public inquiry to be held at which objections can be heard?

59. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal to erect a steel works in the Edale Valley, in Derby shire; and whether, in view of the great beauty of this area and of the danger of such a development to it, he will do all in his power to stop this erection?

Mr. Elliot

I understand that application has been made by a Sheffield firm to the interim development authority under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, for permission to erect steel works at Edale. The decision on the application rests in the first place with the interim development authority, and if they grant permission for the development I have no power under the Act to intervene. If permission is refused, the firm concerned have the right to appeal to me. In that event I shall hold a public inquiry before deciding the appeal.

Mr. Marshall

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the strong protests against this scheme by the Sheffield City Council; and is he aware that one of the grounds is that this destruction of a national beauty spot is quite unnecessary, as plenty of factory sites exist in other parts?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir, but I am bound by the powers which have been entrusted to the Minister of Health.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the firm's plan is persisted in, such a storm of opposition will be aroused as will eventually compel it to be abandoned?

Mr. T. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to see that these steel works are erected on one of the suitable sites in the West Riding of Yorkshire?

Mr. Elliot

This is a matter which if the authority does not grant permission will have to come before me in a judicial capacity, and it would obviously be wrong for me to pledge myself in advance.

Mr. Hunloke

Is the Minister aware that up to yesterday there were 70 letters of protest to the local authority not only from associations and societies and institutions, but from individuals? Is he further aware that the Edale Valley and its surrounding country forms one of our greatest national assets, and that it will be inevitably ruined if this project is allowed to go on?

Mr. Elliot

It would appear that public opinion is taking action with the local authority to whom the duty has been entrusted by Parliament of receiving such complaints.

Mr. H. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman proposing to make representations to the local authority to exercise its town planning powers?

Mr. Elliot

As I have said, if the local authority refuse permission, the firm has a right of appeal to me in a quasi-judicial capacity, and it would be wrong for me to take sides at the moment.

Mr. Mander

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is no object in passing the Access to Mountains Bill if this is to be permitted?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that if the local authority do not oppose this proposal he has no power to intervene?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir, that is the position under the Statute.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it not necessary, then, that the Town Planning Act should be amended so that the destruction of these beauty spots may be prevented?