HC Deb 22 May 1972 vol 837 c979
15. Mr. Alec Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many schemes are currently under consideration by his Department for the clearance of derelict land in Rhondda.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Four, of which two have been prepared by the borough council and two by the county council.

Mr. Jones

Will the Minister of State say when the clearance of the Banana tip at Ferndale is likely to commence? In view of the high level of unemployment will he advise local authorities to use labour-intensive methods of clearing tips rather than heavy and expensive machinery?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

In reply to the question about the Banana tip, the decision whether to participate in a coal recovery operation associated with a reclamation scheme is for the National Coal Board to take in the light of the commercial considerations. I do not want to add anything to that today.