HC Deb 05 November 1968 vol 772 c674
16. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Power what progress has been made by Her Majesty's Government in implementing the recommendations of the Aberfan Tribunal of Inquiry.

Mr. Mason

I shall review progress when I move the Second Reading of the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Bill on Thursday.

Mr. Davies

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind, whatever transpires on Thursday, the appalling cost which the people of Aberfan have had to face, and that no further cost should be expected from them—as otherwise his Bill will be strongly opposed?

Mr. Mason

As I said, I cannot anticipate my review on Thursday, but no doubt my hon. Friend should feel extremely grateful that we have made progress and that the Bill is before us this week.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side are glad of the Government's intention to deal with the tips at Aberfan? How much money, however, has been spent on this tip between the disaster and now? Have we to wait for the passing of the Bill before any further work can be done?

Mr. Mason

The original Question had nothing to do with the Aberfan tip, but with the Bill which is before the House. I believe, however, that £600,000 has already been spent on the tip since that time.