Opencast Site, Higham

HC Deb 20 November 1950 vol 481 cc10-1

15. Mr. Fort

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the restoration of the land at the opencast site at Higham, near Burnley, will start.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Restoration was started last spring, on part of the West Close site at Higham. When the topsoil can be replaced will depend upon the weather; but I hope that 20 acres will be handed over by next summer to the county agricultural executive committee for the "agricultural treatment" and "farm management" which are required.

Mr. Fort

Why has it not been possible to restore land progressively at Higham, as has been done at other opencast sites, so that farm work can start within 12 months of the first stripping operations?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Restoration would have proceeded much more quickly this year but for the weather. The contractor was afraid that if he put back the topsoil during the persistent and very heavy rain it might have been bad for the land in the long run.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Is it not encouraging to hear the Minister's acknowledgment that there are some things, such as the weather, which even the Government cannot control?

17. Mr. Fort

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when farmers and tenants on land adjoining the opencast site at Higham, near Burnley, will be compensated for damage caused by flooding and pollution of the water courses with oil and silt.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

If any damage is caused by flooding or oil pollution, compensation is a question to be settled by the contractors and those who make the claim. I understand that some discussions have taken place about alleged damage of this kind at the Higham site, but, so far as I am aware, they have not been followed by any specific claim.

19. Mr. Fort

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what basis the contractors working the opencast site at Higham, near Burnley, are paid for their operations.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The contract provides for a flat rate payment for each ton of coal delivered to my Ministry. The rate includes a payment for the screening of the coal; for crushing it, when that is required; and for the erection of the screening and crushing plants.

Mr. Fort

As there is no inclusion in the contract for payment for coal which has not been won, am I right in assuming that payment is only for coal which has been handed over to the Ministry?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir.