HC Deb 06 November 1972 vol 845 c606
10. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the Forestry Commission in Wales regarding the proposed extension of opencast mining at Abernant, Aberdare.

Mr. Peter Thomas

None, Sir.

Mr. Probert

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his reply is more than a little disturbing since, over the years, my constituents have had quite enough environmental pollution and that any further extension of opencast mining, especially if it is associated with pit closures which throw hundreds of men out of work, will add insult to injury? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware, further, that on the site in question there are many hundreds of oak and other fine trees which no amount of reclamation by the Opencast Executive will be able to restore?

Mr. Thomas

I have noted what the hon. Gentleman has said. He will appreciate that the authorisation of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry would be required before opencast mining could take place and that I would be consulted before a decision was taken. The National Coal Board has not yet applied for an authorisation.