HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 c1584
9. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the National Coal Board the desirability of movement of material from opencast sites other than by road wherever alternative means are available.

Mr. Horam

The Government encourage the movement of bulk goods other than by road whenever it is sensible to do so, and the Department is already discussing with the National Coal Board the possibility of using grants under Section 8 of the Railways Act 1974 to encourage the carriage of material by rail from opencast sites.

Mr. Hardy

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer, but will he remind those responsible that where there are near or adjoining rail and water transport facilities it is wrong that people should be expected to tolerate muck and a great deal of noise on their doorsteps?

Mr. Horam

I entirely accept my hon. Friend's point about that, but I remind him that local authorities also have some responsibility and some planning powers in this matter. Perhaps they also will take the point on board.