HC Deb 20 February 1956 vol 549 cc3-4
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what consideration he has given to the views put to him on 19th January by a deputation of hon. Members and representatives of local authorities on the subject of mining subsidence.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I shall shortly lay before the House an Order to amend the limit of rateable value in the 1950 Act, and I hope soon to be in a position to make a statement about the wider issue of the Turner Report.

Mr. Swingler

Does the Minister appreciate—I am sure he does—that the citizens and Members from mining areas are highly impatient about the failure to apply more widely the recommendations of the Turner Report? Will he do the best he can to speed up his statement, and may we hope that his statement will be that he will introduce a comprehensive scheme of compensation?

Mr. Jones

I appreciate the concern in this matter, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman that I have been in office only six weeks and the Turner Report has been out for five years.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Is the Minister aware that in my constituency it is almost impossible to do anything further in connection with housing because of the need to deal with mining subsidence? When are we likely to get something done in the matter?

Mr. Jones

May I say once again that I appreciate the general concern over the problem, and I give the firmest assurance that I will endeavour to give my conclusions as speedily as possible.