§ 23. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to replace the surface removed to get outcrop coal as this process causes disfigurement to the locality?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe existing contracts for opencast coal working cover the back filling of the excavations, levelling and restoration of the top soil. Subject to the local circumstances, all sites are restored, as far as possible, to their original conditions.
§ Mr. TinkerI can understand the difficulty at the present time, but I would like to see the right hon. and gallant Gentleman keep his eye on this matter, because in the locality where it is happening it is very unsightly to see huge heaps being left. I want the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to pay attention to this matter.
Major Lloyd GeorgeCertainly, Sir, and I fully appreciate what my hon. Friend has in mind. There are six sites already restored as near to their original condition as possible, and personally I will do everything I can to see that it is done everywhere.