HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 cc1380-1
31. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement in any convenient statistical form showing the extent to which motor transport is used for the haulage of opencast coal.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

Precise information is not available, but it is estimated that roughly 13¼ million tons of opencast coal were moved by road during 1948, by some 1,400 tipping vehicles, travelling an average distance per trip of 12½ miles and carrying a load of about 5½ tons each time.

Mr. Erroll

Do not these figures show the growing value of road transport for moving heavy freight of this character?

Mr. Gaitskell

They show the necessity for road transport in moving opencast coal.

33. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what special precautions he is taking to prevent lorry and other accidents to the children living in the small residential area now being entirely surrounded by the Winstanley Hall Opencast No. 3A site.

Mr. Gaitskell

The residential area near Winstanley No. 3A site lies to one side of Winstanley Park and is not entirely surrounded by the site. The traffic past the houses from opencast coal workings in the area is now less than it was and there has been no suggestion from the traffic authorities that special precautions are required.

Mr. Erroll

Is not the Minister taking any special precautions in regard to other accidents which may befall children through the proximity of this site, such as falling into the workings?

Mr. Gaitskell

That is a different question of which I should like to have notice.

Mr. Tom Brown

Is my right hon. Friend aware that yesterday I received a letter from the surveyor of this township indicating that the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) does not know the site and has never been to the site; and that this is a political stunt being tried out by him which amounts to nothing less than damn cheek and impudence.

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

I must ask the hon. Member to withdraw that epithet. That is not Parliamentary language.

Mr. Brown

In deference to you, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, I withdraw the word "damn."

Mr. Erroll

On a point of Order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker. Since when has it been cheek and impudence for a—

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

Order! The hon. Member has withdrawn, and the matter is closed.