§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when his local inquiry into the question of considering compensation for subsidence in Cheshire, due to brine pumping, will take place.
§ The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Dalton)I cannot hold a local inquiry until I have received an application under the Brine Pumping (Compensation for Subsidence) Act, 1891.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportOwing to the widespread anxiety which is being felt all over Cheshire on this question, could the Minister use his influence to have this inquiry held as soon as possible, particularly so that the question of retrospective compensation can be gone into?
§ Mr. DaltonI am only waiting for the local authorities to apply. Under this Act, either the local authorities or private property owners can apply, and until they apply I can do nothing.
§ Mr. VosperAs this is a matter which affects many and varying interests, and local authorities, will the right hon. Gentleman use his offices to secure an agreement between them in order to alleviate a sense of injustice which exists at the moment?
§ Mr. DaltonMy information is that the local authorities are conferring. As soon as they reach a conclusion, or any of them wish to make an application, I will consider it.
Air Commodore HarveyWhen an application has been made, will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that those affected, the poorest people of all, shall not suffer?
§ Mr. ErrollMay an aggrieved tenant make application?
§ Mr. DaltonI have already said that a property owner or a local authority can apply.