§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he is involved in examining the environmental aspects of opencast mining applications, listing the specific applications and the local authorities involved.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneMy Department is currently informed by the Department of Energy of the National Coal Board's proposals for opencast coal mining, and can suggest appropriate conditions to be attached to any authorisation issued by that Department. I understand that, in England, applications in respect of the following sites are still extant:
Durham
- Billy Hill
- Chapman's Well
- Hill Top
Greater Manchester
- Amberswood Extension
- Pemberton
Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire
- Smotherfly
Northumberland
- Plenmeller
- West Linton
Staffordshire
- Bleak House
- Great Oak
- High Lane
Warwickshire
- Orchard
- Sudeley