§ 2. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to avoid siting new coal dirt disposal tips in positions which are injurious to local amenities.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksThe siting of pit-heaps is the responsibility of the local planning authorities under the Town and Country Planning Acts, and it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to intervene.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Minister aware that the Turner Committee called attention to this question, and that there has been a great volume of public protest in Eastwood against the proposal to site a tip in the town's only available parkland and open space? Is it not time that the Ministry devoted its attention to this whole question of the siting of these noxious and unsightly tips on a national basis in conjunction with the Coal Board?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksThe matter is governed by statutory enactments, and Parliament has already decided that it is a question for the local authorities under the Town and Country Planning Acts.