§ 60. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the case of many gravel pits now disused, the top soil has never been replaced with a resulting loss in food production, and whether, in the case of digging new pits, or where temporary below-ground disturbance to agricultural 1607 land is caused, he will take steps to ensure that when operations are completed it is restored as far as possible to its original condition.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that before the present planning arrangements were operative, many disused gravel pits were left derelict. The current practice is for planning authorities to consult the appropriate officer of my Department on the agricultural implications of proposals for new gravel working or extensions to existing workings. In giving his advice the officer concerned gives full weight to the importance of restoring the land to full agricultural use wherever that course is practicable and appropriate, and recommends the imposition of suitable conditions to that end.