HC Deb 10 December 1990 vol 182 cc652-3
26. Mr. Pike

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether in his capacity as Chancellor he has received any representations arising from opencast mining being undertaken in Lancashire under interim develop-ment orders.

Mr. Chris Patten

None, Sir.

Mr. Pike

When the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster next visits the county, will he visit Facit and Britannia quarries in Bacup, where he will be appalled at the destruction taking place? Will he use every power that he has to ensure that the appropriate Minister introduces early legislation to stop that destruction and devastation taking place?

Mr. Patten

As the hon. Gentleman might anticipate, I expect to make several visits to the county in the immediate and longer-term future. As for the planning issue that he raises, I am sure that he will be aware that in a White Paper on the environment, produced undo- a previous Secretary of State for the Environment, we said that we intend to review the operation of the Town and Country Planning (Minerals) Act 1981, which will include a review of interim development orders. I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern. That is why the review is important.

Mr. Mans

When my right hon. Friend next visits Lancashire to look at opencast mining, will he take the opportunity to arrange a meeting with the leader of Labour-controlled Lancashire county council to discuss the state of social services in the county and, in particular, of residential homes, many of which are of a lower standard than those in the private sector?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about opencast mines.

Mr. Mans

In Lancashire.

Mr. Speaker

In Lancashire, yes.

Mr. Patten

So far as I know, there are no opencast mines on the Duchy's property—I do not think that there are any social services establishments, either—but I take seriously what my hon. Friend says. I hope to have an opportunity to point out to the leader of the Labour-controlled county council how the community charge is far too high because of the activities of the Labour group and how, alas, services do not seem to be as splendid as they should be, given the amount of money that the community charge payer pays for them.