HC Deb 03 December 1945 vol 416 cc1910-1
52. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Agriculture how long a period it is estimated is required, and the approximate price of cultivation and manures per acre, before land handed back after opencast working is capable of producing an average corn crop or grass ley.

Mr. T. Williams

Provided the top soil is properly replaced and spread, and seed is sown—following on the necessary cultivations—at the appropriate time of the year, a grass ley could be ready for grazing within three months from the time cultivations commenced. Similarly, a crop of Spring corn could be ready for harvesting within 7–8 months and Winter corn within 9–10 months, but seeding direct to corn is not encouraged. The approximate cost of cultivations, manures, seeds and labour does not normally exceed £15 per acre.

Colonel Clarke

Can the Minister tell us whether the cost of the preparation and replacement of this soil is added to the cost of the opencast coal?

Mr. Williams

I think that is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Baldwin

Can the Minister say from where the top soil is to come which is to be put back again, since it is buried?

Mr. Williams

It will come from where it happens to be.