§ 40. Mr. Matthewsasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement of his policy in regard to the authorising of new sites for opencast coalmining under Section 1 of the Opencast Coal Act 1958.
§ Mr. PeytonMy right hon. Friend is willing to consider applications for new sites which may be needed to balance the supply and demand of particular kinds of coal or for other special reasons.
§ 41. Mr. Matthewsasked the Minister of Power what application he has received from the National Coal Board to authorise the commencement of opencast coalmining in the neighbourhood of Shuttington, Warwickshire; and if he will take into consideration the numerous representations that have previously been made in connection with the nearby workings in Polesworth.
§ Mr. PeytonNone. An application would have to be advertised in accordance with the Opencast Coal Act, 1958. My right hon. Friend would then consider any representations which were made to him.
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