HC Deb 30 October 1947 vol 443 cc115-6W
91. Mr. Skeffington Lodge

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what consultations have taken place between his and other Ministries regarding a proposal to undertake opencast coal working at Lyme Park, Cheshire; whether he is aware that the land affected is National Trust property lying within the area of a proposed National Park; and whether he will undertake to arrange for a public inquiry whose terms of reference will include the finding, if possible, of an alternative site for the purpose in view.

102. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement with regard to the proposal for opencast coal workings at Lyme Park.

Mr. Gaitskell

A meeting, attended by representatives of the four Government Departments concerned, and of other organisations including the National Trust, interested in Lyme Park, took place on 20th October at Lyme Hall. The occasion of the meeting was my Department's proposal to undertake prospecting operations on the moorland, within the area of the Park, with a view to determining whether the coal believed to exist there was suitable for opencast operations. No decision was taken at the meeting, but I shall be considering the report on it with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning, and a statement as to future action will be made as soon as possible.

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