§ 31. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he has considered the application made to him by the brickmaking interests in Bedfordshire for an extension of the area of their activities; if, before approving it, he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that agricultural production will not be adversely affected thereby; and what has so far been done to restore areas already affected by brickmaking.
§ Mr. SilkinIn considering applications of this sort, I always consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, and I always look carefully into the possibility of restoring the land afterwards. Complete restoration of these brickfields is not always likely to be possible, however, because of the depth of working, the flooding by water and the lack of adequate supplies of suitable filling material within a reasonable distance; but where such material is available, we make the best use of it we can.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that that reply is all right as far as it goes, but that it does not go very far? May I ask him whether he is aware that, until the past depredations of the brickmaking interests in Bedfordshire are cleared up better than they have been so far, there is not much local confidence that his Ministry is going to do much about the new application on which my Question is based?
§ Mr. SilkinThe planning Acts under which we are acting relate to present depredations, not to past. These things to which the hon. Gentleman refers took place before the Act was passed.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that, in this particular area, it is not invariably possible to replace the top soil after excavations?
§ Mr. SilkinNo, it is not, and if my hon. Friend will read the answer to the Question he will see that I have given the reason in some detail.
§ Mr. David RentonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the considerable depth of these disused brick-fields, they will probably be considered best for water conservation and possible game preserves, and will he bear in mind the possibility of using them for those purposes?
§ Mr. SilkinEach case is considered on its merits, and the most suitable form of restoration is provided for.
§ Mr. HarrisonDoes my right hon. Friend give the necessary instructions or draw the attention of these people to the possibility of utilising the top soil from these excavations, and not burying it in deep holes under water?
§ Mr. SilkinCertainly, wherever possible.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeOwing to the rather lukewarm approach of my right hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.