§ 4. Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has recently had with the National Farmers Union on the subject of coal mining subsidence.
§ Mrs. FennerNone, but the National Farmers Union copied to me its representations to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Energy and for the Environment on the report of the Waddilove committee.
§ Mr. HeddleDoes my hon. Friend agree that many small farmers and smallholders, especially in mining counties such as Staffordshire, are suffering severe hardship because they cannot obtain compensation for consequential loss against coal mining subsidence? Will my hon. Friend use her persuasive efforts to urge our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy to implement some of the Waddilove proposals as soon as possible.
§ Mrs. FennerWe are concerned that farmers whose land suffers subsidence should receive appropriate compensation where restoration of the land is not practical. As my hon. Friend knows, such compensation is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.