§ 11. Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has met with officers of Mid Glamorgan county council and the Welsh Development Agency to discuss the waste tip removal programme in that county.
§ Mr. GristNo, Sir. I am satisfied that there is close liaison between the statutory authorities to determine the most appropriate programme for the reclamation of waste tips in the county.
§ Dr. HowellsIs the Minister aware that a great many people in Mid Glamorgan are concerned and frightened about the existence of colliery tips and the threat that they pose to their homes? Is he also aware that those people know that Mid Glamorgan county council is not a rich council and is frequently strapped for cash when it comes to major projects such as the removal of tips? When can we expect a public statement about the plans and funding for the removal of the Cilfynydd tip?
§ Mr. GristThe hon. Gentleman will know that it is a matter not of removal but of reclamation. The Welsh Development Agency will fund up to 100 per cent. of the cost of reclaiming tips. The hon. Gentleman may like to reassure his constituents that Cilfynydd tip is tested every day—further tests were conducted at the weekend—and his constituents should rest assured that, for the time being, and unless told otherwise, they should be safe.