HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc987-8
63. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many claims for damage to residential property caused by working the Winstanley Hall Opencast No. 3A site have been paid, and what is the total amount paid so far; how many claims are pending, and for what amount; and what is the estimated total of damages likely to amount to by time the site is exhausted.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Robens)

No claims have been received nor payments made in respect of this site.

Mr. Erroll

Would the hon. Gentleman answer the rest of my Question, about the damage which is to be expected because of the workings which are going on adjacent to the house?

Mr. Robens

It is not expected that there will be any damage.

Mr. Tom Brown

Is my hon. Friend aware that Winstanley Hall opencast site is in my Division, and that it is being dealt with by the local authority, by me, the Ministry and the local branch of the Ministry? Is he aware that it would be in accord with the dignity and honour of this House if the hon. Member for Altrincham (Mr. Erroll) would mind his own business?

Mr. Erroll

When the Minister replies to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. T. Brown) will he inform him that his constitutents are very dissatisfied with the position, and with the lack of action taken by their own Member of Parliament?

Mr. Robens

The hon. Member for Ince has been most active in this matter, and sees me and my officials almost every week in relation to Winstanley Hall opencast site. Further, he has arranged for a meeting of the local authority and other people concerned, and I have undertaken to go down to see those people.

Mr. Brown

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter was raised by me on the Adjournment on 1st February this year, and that I hope to raise it on the Adjournment on a subsequent day when I win the ballot?

64. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what representations he has received from the National Coal Board about the undesirability of working the Winstanley Hall Opencast No. 3A site.

Mr. Robens

The National Coal Board were, of course, consulted about this site, and have agreed to the proposed method of working.

Mr. Erroll

Have they not objected in any way?

Mr. Robens

No objection has been made by the National Coal Board, because our officials work in close consultation with the Board, and arrangements were made.