§ 74. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the top-soil removed through opencast working is being properly replaced and spread.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir.
§ Colonel ClarkeWhat steps does the Minister take to see that contractors do this work all over the country?
§ Mr. WilliamsEach war agricultural executive committee appoints one person to make contact with the officer of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and between them they ascertain what the farmer desires as far as restoration is concerned, and they do their best between them to see that that desire is met.
§ Colonel ClarkeDoes the Minister get reports at the Ministry from this subcommittee and is he in direct touch him- 933 self, or is the matter left entirely to the local war agricultural committee and the local fuel and power committee?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate that the county committees are the Minister's agents and he must accept their guidance on these questions.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs the Minister aware that although the arrangements may be satisfactory in regard to coal workings, they are far less satisfactory in the case of gravel and clay? Will he look into that matter?
§ Mr. WilliamsIf the Noble Lord will bring to my notice any case he has in mind, I will gladly look into it.
Mr. BaldwinWhat steps does the Minister propose to take with regard to sites where no attempt has been made to get the top soil ready to put back on the site?
§ Mr. WilliamsIf the hon. Gentleman will bring to my notice any case of which he knows, I will have it looked into.