HC Deb 22 November 1949 vol 470 cc176-8
13 and 15. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning (1) whether he is aware of the need to restore the land devastated by ironstone workings in the Midlands; what progress has been made by the two Standing Conferences appointed to co-ordinate the views of those concerned; and when he expects to receive any report;

(2) whether he can now make a statement on his policy as to the restoration of land worked for ironstone in the Mid- lands; and what steps are being taken to ensure working in such a way as to admit of full restoration to agricultural use.

Mr. Silkin

I am aware of the need to restore this land, and the Standing Conferences, which have been examining this question, have prepared interim reports, of which I have received advance copies. I will make a statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Mitchison

Is the Minister aware that this matter is really urgent, that there is very considerable and widespread feeling about it throughout Northamptonshire, including feeling among the steel workers themselves, and that a statement of policy was to be made "at the earliest possible moment" over three years ago? In the circumstances, will my right hon. Friend do his very best to produce both a satisfactory and a rapid statement?

Mr. Silkin

In answer to these many questions, I have promised to make a statement as soon as I have had an opportunity of considering the reports which have been submitted to me.

Mr. Mitchison

Will that be before Christmas?

14. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of. Town and Country Planning how many many public inquiries have been held about iron ore workings in the Kettering Division and for what purpose and with what present result.

Mr. Silkin

Two local inquiries have been held for the purpose of obtaining the views of the parties and other interested persons. I am now considering the Inspector's reports.

Mr. Mitchison

Is the Minister aware that a number of other local inquiries have been held or are being held in the neighbourhood, and when does he expect to reach any decision on any of these local inquiries?

Mr. Silkin

The two local inquiries to which I referred are the only ones which have been held. There are two more which will be held before the end of the year.

Mr. Mitchison

Is it not about time that some decision was come to about these matters? At present the inhabitants of Kettering and the neighbourhood. who are accustomed to walking in this part of the country, are unable to do so, and nobody knows what is going to happen to the fine woodlands which concern everyone in the countryside.

Mr. Charles Williams

Does the Minister ever make any decision, except hopelessly wrong ones?