§ Mr. Loughlinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the strength of local feeling against the proposal for opencast coalmining at Woorgreens in the Forest of Dean; and what action he proposes to take to allay it.
§ Mr. PriorAfter full consideration of the circumstances I have come to the conclusion that it would not be consistent with my obligations under Section 11 of the Countryside Act, 1968, to grant a lease for opencast coal mining on this site.