§ 41. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many acres in Shropshire it is expected will be used for opencast coal mining in the next five years; where this land is situated; and what percentage has been used for agricultural purposes since 1939.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe acreage which will be required for the opencast working of coal in Shropshire during the next five years largely depends on the results of future prospecting. I regret, therefore, that I am not able to make any estimate.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether all these activities, past, present and future, have the specific approval of the Minister of Agriculture?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. We always work in the closest co-operation.