HC Deb 17 November 1952 vol 507 cc1374-5
10. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take to expedite the restoration of opencast sites.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I am satisfied that the National Coal Board are doing their best in this matter. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind, I will be glad to look into it.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that I know of two sites from which no coal has been produced for nearly two years, and that not one step has been taken to restore these sites to the farming community? Is the Minister also aware that there has been two years' loss of food production there, and that, in addition, they are unsightly in the countryside?

Mr. Lloyd

In Yorkshire, in which I expect the hon. Member is particularly interested, it is the practice for the county agricultural committees to keep the land under management in order to secure its restoration for normal agricultural use. It may be that that is what the hon. Member has in mind.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that the two sites I have in mind are Royds Green and Rothwell, near Leeds?

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