Colliery Spoil Heaps

HC Deb 20 July 1965 vol 716 cc195-6W

Mr. Varley

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what is his policy in regard to colliery spoil heaps; and if he will make a statement.

rate of unemployment for Merseyside for July in each of the years 1951 to 1965; a separate percentage rate cannot be quoted for Liverpool as the Employment Exchanges in that area form part of the North Merseyside travel-to-work group (including Prescot).

Mr. Willey

As part of my responsibility for the overall strategy of land use, I am concerned with the techniques and economic aspects of restoring to useful purposes land sterilised by spoliation, such as colliery spoil heaps. Matters arising from planning control in relation to colliery spoil heaps and their reclamation in specific cases are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Secretary of State, in England and Wales, respectively.