Mining Subsidence (Hansard, 13 July 1953)

§ 1 and 2. Mr. Ellis Smith
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if he will consider the special circumstances caused by mining subsidence in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, the financial difficulties and the effect on roads, drains, sewerage works and public buildings; and if he will make a substantial grant to cover the damage while consideration is given to the problems created by mining subsidence;
(2) the financial consequences which have fallen on local authorities where mining subsidence has taken place; how many county boroughs are wholly affected by mining subsidence; and what national financial assistance it is intended to grant to county boroughs who are affected.

§ 12. Mr. Swingler
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the continuing damage and distress caused by mining subsidence in and around Newcastle-under-Lyme; and what action he is taking to provide a more comprehensive scheme of compensation for those 1686 affected and to ensure that the National Coal Board has a sufficient allocation of capital resources to devote to the prevention of subsidence in the future.

§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)
I am advised there are some 17 county boroughs affected by mining subsidence which is prevalent in both the boroughs mentioned by the hon. Members. I cannot, however, exceed the financial powers conferred on me by the Act passed by the last Government in 1950.

§ Mr. Ellis Smith
The three Questions raise two issues, short-term and long-term. Will the Minister treat the short-term issue as a matter of extreme urgency? Is he aware that in Fenton the sewer has completely collapsed and that it is overflowing into the roads and into the homes of the miners? Does he not agree that a very serious situation could arise from that? Will he consult the Minister of Health at once with a view to dealing with the matter?

§ Mr. Lloyd
I am always ready carefully to consider any specific cases in which I might be able to help in any way. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have details.

§ Mr. Swingler
Can the right hon. Gentleman now say when he hopes to act further on the recommendations of the 1949 Report? Is he not aware that the Act of 1950 was only a first instalment in dealing with this problem? Can he now tell us what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations to cover the problem?

§ Mr. Lloyd
The position of this Government in this matter is the same as that of the last Administration.

§ Dr. Stross
Will the Minister advise us about this? If there should be a major outbreak of pestilence as a result of sewage contaminating our people's homes, whom shall we blame and to whom shall we go for redress?

§ Mr. Lloyd
Perhaps the hon. Member will give me any details which might portend such a happening?

§ Mr. Speaker
Mr. Woodburn.

§ Mr. Ellis Smith
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My point of order is based on the fact that there are on the Order 1687 Paper three Questions, two in my name. I put only one supplementary question concerning an urgent short-term matter dealt with in the first Question. Might I be allowed a supplementary question dealing with the second Question?

§ Mr. Speaker
There have been three supplementary questions to these Questions already. Mr. Woodburn.