HC Deb 06 December 1954 vol 535 cc597-9
41 and 42. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if he will now make a statement on his discussions with the representatives of local authority associations on the problems arising from mining subsidence; and what action he will take.

(2) if he will now bring forward legislation to extend the scope of the Coal Mining Subsidence Act, 1950, and to introduce a comprehensive system of compensation on the lines recommended by the Turner Committee for damage caused by mining subsidence.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. L. W. Joynson-Hicks)

There have been no further discussions with local authorities since my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government replied to a Question on this subject asked by the hon. Member on 19th October, and I have nothing to add to that reply.

Mr. Swingler

When does the Minister expect to do something about this situation? Is he not aware that it is now five years since the Turner Report and that nothing whatsoever has been done to assist local authorities who are more and more seriously affected by mining subsidence? When does his Department expect to bring forward some constructive proposals to implement the-recommendations of the Turner Report?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

The hon. Gentleman has already been informed that the' problems involved are now under consideration by the Departments concerned and the National Coal Board. Until that examination is complete, it is impossible to make any further statement.

Mr. Swingler

When will that examination be complete, because these conversations have been going on for some period of time? As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been many representations in the past 12 months. Can he give us a date when we may expect a full statement of what the Department is expected to do?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

No, I cannot give a date because the matter is a very detailed one and the very deep and complex problems involve many Departments.

43. Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent Scottish local authority associations have been consulted in connection with his discussions at present taking place concerning the problems of mining subsidence; and if he will ensure that these associations are included.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

The current examination of these problems is being conducted jointly by the Departments concerned and the National Coal Board. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland informs me that he has received no recent representations from Scottish local authorities. Account will, of course, be taken of any views that they may wish to express to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Willis

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether Scottish local authority associations were consulted in the conversations which took place prior to his statement of 19th October? If they were not included, why were they not, because many of them are vitally concerned in the matter?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

My right hon. Friend the then Minister of Housing and Local Government received a deputation from representatives of English local authorities. It was not a question of consulting local authorities generally; he was receiving a deputation.