HC Deb 03 April 1974 vol 871 cc1237-8
6. Mr. Wiggin

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now hold a public inquiry into the development of lime kilns in Batts Combe Quarry at Cheddar in the county of Somerset.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Gordon Oakes)

No, Sir. Planning permission containing stringent conditions was granted by Somerset County Council in March 1973, and my right hon. Friend could hold a public inquiry at this stage only if he were to initiate revocation proceedings. He sees no reason to do this.

Mr. Wiggin

I entirely accept the hon. Gentleman's truthful and sensible answer. Will he correspond with himself and his 19 hon. Friends who put down an early-day motion in the previous Parliament asking for a public inquiry? Furthermore, does he appreciate that the Labour candidate in my constituency at the last election, encouraged by the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Mr. Cocks), who instigated the motion, promised that Labour Ministers would hold a public inquiry?

Mr. Oakes

The question of a public inquiry related to the call-in of the planning application. It would require revocation proceedings, and, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, the building now exists.

Mr. Palmer

Will my hon. Friend appreciate that his answer disappoints not only those who have been pressing for the inquiry but those of us on this side of the House who are connected with the West Country who have been pressing for such an inquiry over a long period?

Mr. Oakes

The difficulty is that the actual building is now in being. However, I can promise my hon. Friend that the stringent conditions laid down by Somerset County Council will certainly have to be adhered to.

Mr. Boscawen

I recognise the realism that comes upon the Labour Party when it takes office, but will the hon. Gentleman recognise the enormous efforts that have been made by the Somerset County Council to reconcile the conflict of interests between the quarry industry and those who regard amenities as of great importance? Will he also recognise the great change of heart that has taken place during the past three years by the quarry companies themselves which wish to live up to their responsibilities and are spending a great deal more money on improving the sites of their quarries?

Mr. Oakes

I agree that Somerset County Council has taken great care in this matter, both with regard to local amenities and particularly with regard to traffic. The traffic flow may well be lessened by having the lime kilns where they are.