HC Deb 24 June 1952 vol 502 c2028
35. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Works to what extent damage caused by mining subsidence is taken into account in fixing the financial quotas to local authorities for building licences for repairs.

Mr. Eccles

In the worst affected areas a specially high allocation is given to local authorities. In other areas cases which cannot be met under the local authority's allocation are sympathetically considered by my Department.

Mr. Swingler

Will the Minister not consider dealing with this matter separately? Would it not be better to deal with damage caused solely by mining subsidence separately from the normal quota given to local authorities, since it is impossible to forecast what the effects of the mining subsidence are going to be?

Mr. Eccles

I think it a good thing to use the local authorities as much as possible.

36. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the profound dissatisfaction of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council with its present financial quota for building licences for repairs, owing to the National Coal Board's heavy demand for licences to repair properties seriously damaged by subsidence; and if he will give instructions to raise this quota or to treat mining subsidence cases separately.

Mr. Eccles

An increase has recently been applied for by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and has been granted in full.