§ 36 and 37. Mr.Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what requirements, under town and country planning law, he has imposed to protect the beauties of Clackmannanshire from spoliation by the growth of pit bings;
(2) whether he is aware that the scenery in Clackmannanshire will be spoilt by unsightly bings of refuse which may result 1005 from the proposed large coal development; and whether he will ensure that suitable trees are planted to grow with the bings and preserve the amenities.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe deposit of refuse resulting from proposed coal development on a site not already used for the purpose on 1st July, 1948, requires the permission of the local planning authority who may impose such conditions for the preservation of amenity as may appear to them appropriate.
§ Mr. WoodburnWill the Minister take steps to ensure that some ingenuity is exercised before such spoliation of the beauty of the country occurs? When it is known that enormous bings will arise as a result of the workings in the area, cannot some steps be taken to ensure that the spoliation of beautiful Scottish land which has taken place in the past does not recur?
§ Mr. BrowneYes, Sir. This is primarily a matter for the planning authority in co-operation with the National Coal Board.