§ 31. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what information he has about the progress which has been made in the creation of public parks out of pit slag-heaps; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Corfield)My right hon. 1266 Friends information does not distinguish public parks from other open space. In England and Wales grant or loan sanction has been given since 1946 for reclaiming 234 acres of spoil heaps which local authorities proposed to use for open space purposes. In addition the reviews of development plans so far submitted to him by local planning authorities under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947 show that 54 acres of spoil heaps have been reclaimed for open space.
§ Mr. JegerWhile that report is very encouraging, does not the hon. Gentle-man feel that the progress is very slow indeed and that many more of these man-made monstrosities might be abolished and turned into parks of public amenity and beauty? Is he aware that this has been done extensively in Europe not only with regard to slag heaps but also bomb damage and rubble heaps, and could not he get a move on to do work of that kind in Britain?
§ Mr. CorfieldMy right hon. Friend appreciates the value of the hon. Gentleman's suggestion and is preparing a booklet describing and illustrating a number of schemes which have been carried out in recent years. He hopes that this will stimulate further interest and effort.