HC Deb 21 March 1950 vol 472 cc1754-5
42. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has yet been able to examine the urgent problem of restoration in the Midland iron ore field; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has already called for information on this subject, and before deciding what further action is necessary he intends to take an early opportunity of visiting the area to see this devastation for himself.

Mr. Mitchison

While welcoming that enterprise on the part of my right hon. Friend, may I ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind that a White Paper was to be forthcoming in January, that it has not yet appeared and that there is very grave public anxiety about what is to happen? Will he see that the matter is dealt with as one of urgency, and with the greatest possible despatch?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir. My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that, with him, I have a constituency interest in this problem so that perhaps there will be personal attention to it as well—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] A White Paper is in draft, but my right hon. Friend takes the view that with it there should be a statement of policy on this problem.

Mr. Boothby

Does the hon. Member mean to convey to the House that he only takes a personal interest in his own constituency?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir, and, knowing me, I do not think that the House will think so either.

Mr. Mitchison

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the imperative need for full restoration in all possible cases, as distinct from all convenient cases?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir. The whole problem is being looked at, but the question arises of where the finance for repairing past devastation is to come from.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for the last five years, if not seven, and that in the opinion of all people mainly concerned the time has come when some decision and action should be taken?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir, but it was the right hon. Gentleman's political friends who created this problem in the years before the war.