HC Deb 18 May 1939 vol 347 cc1607-8
41. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet ready to make a statement concerning the preservation of Edale; and can the public generally be assured that this area will be protected against any industrial encroachment?

Mr. Elliot

As regards the first part of the question, I have as yet nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on Friday last. As regards the second part, I have already stated in answer to previous questions that a planning scheme is being prepared by the Peak Joint Committee which will cover this area.

Mr. Bossom

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this was scheduled as a rural zone by a general interim order, that the application was made without plans, and that the rural district council did not apply to the Peak Joint Planning Committee for permission; and cannot he take action to prevent this?

Mr. Elliot

The action taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air and myself is, as I think is well known, progressing favourably, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that everything possible is being done.

Mr. Lipson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a time limit within which town planning schemes are presented?

Mr. Elliot

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. Ridley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are other parts of the same county suffering from acute unemployment?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the Minister say whether building operations are going on, as reported last week, or have they been suspended?

Mr. Elliot

I understand that no building operations are going on. A certain number of levels were being taken, and that work, I believe, has come to an end. The stones reported in the district have nothing to do with the building operations of these works.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask them to bring these works to the Hemsworth division?