§ 61. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is informed when the ground is levelled after the finish of opencast mining; and, as it takes years for the settling of land after the removal of the coal, what steps he proposes to take to preserve the amenities of the countryside in such cases.
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonIn reply to the first part of the Question, information is given in every case to the Ministry of Agriculture before the top-soil is replaced. I do not regard it as necessary that information should also be given to my 990 Department. As regards the second part of the Question, I am satisfied that all practicable steps for restoration of the land in question are being taken.
§ Mr. TinkerWhen the land sinks, after a certain time, the Ministry of Fuel and Power have done with it; and surely it is the job of the Minister of Town and Country Planning to put it in proper order?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe top-soil is restored, under the supervision of the local war agricultural committee. In all the cases of which I know the best service to the amenity of the neighbourhood is to restore the land to agricultural use.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorDoes that include laying the drains, as they were before?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir; it includes all steps to restore the fertility of the land, as it previously existed.