HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 cc36-7W
66. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration he has given to financially assisting local authorities desirous of clearing colliery spoil heaps.

Sir K. Joseph

Provision is made under Section 5 (3) of the Local Employment Act, 1960, for grant to be paid in certain circumstances towards the cost of schemes for the restoration of derelict land in development districts.

67. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he intends to ask local authorities, particularly in coal mining areas, what progress is being made to effect improvements of colliery spoil heaps.

Sir K. Joseph

Before Easter.

68. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that a group of South Yorkshire local authorities are co-ordinating their activities to effect improvements of colliery spoil heaps; to what extent he is giving them advice and assistance; and whether he will circularise all other local authorities confronted with this problem to act likewise so that a concerted programme of activity can be agreed upon.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend knows of these conferences and has met representatives of the authorities. While keen to see progress, he does not think a circular on the lines suggested necessary.