§ 15. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Power what applications he has received from the National Coal Board for increasing opencast coal production in Lancashire.
§ Mr. GeorgeNone, Sir.
§ Mr. FitchI am very pleased to hear that. However, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that certain farmers in the Goose Green area of Wigan have been told by the National Coal Board that their land will be requisitioned for opencast coal? Would he look into this?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe Board is negotiating for rights to prospect for possible sites. The Minister's agreement to this is required only when compulsory powers to prospect are sought, but the Board hopes to obtain the rights it requires by voluntary agreement.