§ 75. Mr. Ronald Bellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will set up a committee to inquire into the future of gravel-winning in South Buckinghamshire, and ensure that, so far as possible, no new permissions are granted until it has reported.
§ 76. Mr. Beresford Craddockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will set up a committee to inquire into the future of sand and gravel-winning in South-West Middlesex; and if he will, so far as is possible, ensure that no new concessions, or extensions of existing concessions, are granted until the committee has presented its report.
§ Sir K. JosephI will answer these two Questions together since South Buckinghamshire and South-West Middlesex are parts of a large gravel supply area. In consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Minister of Works, my right hon. Friend is already investigating the future of gravel working in this area, and when full information is available the position will be discussed with the local planning authorities concerned and the industry. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friend does not think it is appropriate to set up a committee. As each application must be decided on its merits my 29W right hon. Friend cannot undertake to ensure that no new permissions are granted until these inquiries are completed.