Damage-Free Leases

HC Deb 04 June 1951 vol 488 c661

9. Mr. Bartley

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendation of the Committee on Mining Subsidence in regard to the prohibition of the practice of damage-free leases or tenancies in respect of farms owned by the National Coal Board.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The Turner Committee recommended that existing damage-free leases should run their course. So far as I am aware the National Coal Board has made no new damage-free leases, since it took over the mines.

Colonel Clarke

Does the Minister recollect that the Committee also recommended that no fresh leases should be given and that the land should revert to agriculture?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As I said, so far as I know the Coal Board has made no new leases of that sort.