Mining Operations, Midlothian

HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2109-10

39. Mr. Pryde

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what coal measures were disclosed by oil boring operations at D'Arcy, Midlothian.

Mr. Gaitskell

A number of thin seams of coal were encountered, none of which exceeded one foot in thickness.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Can the Minister say whether any oil was encountered?

Mr. Gaitskell

Not without notice of the question.

40. Mr. Pryde

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what boring operations have been conducted in the Penicuik-Leadburn area of Midlothian.

Mr. Gaitskell

No boring operations have yet been conducted in the immediate area referred to, the possibilities of which were brought to the Ministry's attention by my hon. Friend, but a systematic programme of borings outwards from the present disposal point for opencast coal is being carried out, which will, in due course, cover the area.

41. Mr. Pryde

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what area of good agricultural land will be temporarily put out of use by opencast mining operations at Gorebridge, Midlothian.

Mr. Gaitskell

Four hundred and sixty-six acres.

Mr. Pryde

Would the Minister consider a policy of short drift mining, before scarring the face of the countryside in this fashion?

Mr. Gaitskell

I should be quite prepared to look into that, but I must point out that the value of this opencast coal is about 30 times the value of the agricultural production which would be lost.