§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will use his powers to institute a public inquiry into or stop the proposed large-scale removal of sand and gravel from agricultural land between Polstead and Layham, Suffolk, which also involves the West Suffolk County Council issuing a compulsory purchase order to provide access for large, high volume lorry traffic between pits and country lanes.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe West Suffolk County Council as the responsible authority gave planning permission for a gravel pit some years ago. Action to revoke or modify that permission would be a matter for the local planning authority to consider and my right hon. and learned Friend sees no reason to intervene. A proposal for compulsory purchase of land to provide a different access to the site would need to be confirmed by my right hon. and learned Friend who would consider it on its merits having regard to the public interest.