§ 55. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consultations he has had with the Benfleet and Canvey Island Urban District Councils concerning the proposal of the county borough of Southend to dump its refuse on Hadleigh Marshes to the detriment of amenities in the South-East Essex constituency; whether this proposal has been rejected by the Essex County Council as planning authority; and whether he will call a conference of all local authorities concerned to secure agreement in a long-term programme for refuse disposal in the area with the minimum injury to amenities.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe Essex County Council have refused planning permission for the tipping of refuse on Hadleigh Marshes and the Southend Borough Council have lodged an appeal against that decision. My right hon. Friend has had no consultations with the two district councils and he would prefer to reserve judgment on the hon. Member's suggestion for a conference until the appeal has been dealt with.