HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 c32
66. Colonel Gomme-Duncan

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of growing corn of this season's crop have been sacrificed for the purpose of opencast coal mining; and what were the equivalent figures for 1945.

Mr. T. Williams

I regret that I am not in possession of this information, the collection of which would involve the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour. Except where it is unavoidable, no land carrying growing corn or other arable crops is entered upon for opencast coal mining until after the crops have been harvested.

Colonel Gomme-Dunean

But in view of the food situation today, and the very low grade of coal that can be obtained by opencast coal mining, is the food situation not more important than opencast coal?

Mr. Williams

I have already told the hon. and gallant Gentleman that, except where it is unavoidable, no land carrying growing corn or other arable crops is entered upon for opencast coal mining until the crops have been harvested.