HC Deb 12 April 1945 vol 409 cc1963-4
28. Mr. Manninģham-Buller

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when the Report made by Mr. A. H. S. Waters, V.C., on the scope and efficiency of the measures at present employed in the ironstone industry in Northampton- shire and adjoining counties for the restoration of land damaged by quarrying operations will be published.

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I expect to receive the report referred to at an early date. The report will be confidential and will not be published, but when I have had an opportunity to study it and to consult with my colleagues, I shall hope to make a statement in the matter.

Mr. Tom Brown

Is the Minister aware of the promise which he gave to the House on 24th June, 1943, that this matter was receiving very urgent attention and that he did not need any prodding from the House? Will he reinforce that by presenting this report at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Morrison

This gentleman is making a confidential report to me and I think the report will be franker and more useful if it is not trammelled by the necessity of framing it in such terms as publication would make desirable, I can, however, reinforce the assurance that I gave.

Mr. Brown

Surely, the House is entitled to receive a report dealing with a very urgent matter of this character.

Mr. Morrison

I hope to make a statement on the matter when I receive the report.

Mr. Manninģham-Buller

Has not the report in fact been received by the Ministry already?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir.