HC Deb 10 February 1959 vol 599 c979
11. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision has been taken on planning grounds respecting the sinking of a pit in the Bearsden-Milngavie area of Dunbartonshire.

Mr. J. N. Browne

My right hon. Friend is in consultation with my noble Friend the Minister of Power about this proposal and hopes to give his decision before very long.

Mr. Bence

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable concern in the county about the long-drawn arguments on whether this pit shall or shall not be sunk? Will he speed the matter urgently? Is he aware that many miners, who will be unemployed as a result of closure of pits, and many people in the area are concerned about whether they can get on with building new homes, for if a pit is sunk the Coal Board will stop them building there?

Mr. Browne

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend will see that there is no unavoidable delay.