HC Deb 05 April 1954 vol 526 c12
20. Mr. G. Darling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now able to make a statement on the National Coal Board's request to prospect for coal in the Rivelin Valley.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

No, Sir

Mr. P. Roberts

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is really difficult to get to this area, that it is a quiet area and that there are various hospitals in the vicinity?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Darling

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us the procedure? If the Coal Board discover that there is coal which is workable there will it have to come back to the Minister for permission to work the coal?

Mr. Lloyd

At present, the authorisation which is being sought is for boring only. An entirely new authorisation would be wanted for working the coal and would have to be applied for if it was thought that working was worthwhile.