HC Deb 16 December 1958 vol 597 cc921-2
2. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will cause an investigation to be made of the effect on houses, sewers and roads caused by the changing levels of land, in Longton, Blurton, Trentham and Trent Vale, estimate the prospects of future changes in the level of land. and issue a report.

Mr. H. Brooke

The Stoke-on-Trent Corporation has access to expert advice

on these matters, and I do not think that it is necessary for me to arrange an investigation.

Mr. Smith

Will the Minister reconsider his reply from this point of view? Does he accept the statement that in this area during the next 15 years many parts will sink 15–30 feet? As many people have purchased their own homes, does this not create a serious responsibility which calls for joint action by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Ministry of Power?

Mr. Brooke

I agree about the importance of the responsibility, but I believe in responsible local government, and in this case I am advised that the city council has experienced technical officers and also engages a mining consultant when necessary.

Mr. Smith

While the municipality is officered by some of the finest, most able and most conscientious men in the country, are not its rights limited by legislation? Has not the time arrived when the right hon. Gentleman, together with the Minister of Power, should recognise the national responsibility and implement it so that the locality shall not be left in this position?

Mr. Brooke

I am not aware of having received any representations from the city council to that effect. It was certainly my impression that it already had all the expert advice which it needed.