HC Deb 13 July 1953 vol 517 c1696
18. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of two brothers being drowned in a flooded and abandoned opencast coal site, of which he is aware, on 2nd July, if he will take immediate steps to have the site restored.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

This was a private venture and I am afraid I have no powers in respect of restoration.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware of the high feeling prevalent throughout Yorkshire, and is he prepared to call a conference of local government, town planning, the Ministry of Fuel and Power, the planning authorities and the land owners?

Mr. Lloyd

I am advised that the authority which has some powers in respect of this matter is the local authority.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that two small boys out of one family lost their lives just over a week ago, and that in our district not only do we suffer from mining subsidence but we look like having a permanent structure of ugliness, and would not the Minister be resolute about this question?

Mr. Lloyd

If the hon. Gentleman will give me further particulars, I will see if I can help.

Back to