§ Mr. DoverTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what effect opencast coal mining has had on restoration of derelict land, extension of wildlife areas, extension of woodlands and hedgerows and development of recreation facilities over the past(a) five and (b) 10 years.
§ Mr. David HuntThis information is not held centrally. However, according to statistics compiled by the County Planning Officers Society's committee No. 3, during the last four years 635 hectares of land received planning permission for opencasting in Wales, of which 364 hectares were derelict. All permissions for opencasting carry a requirement to restore fully the land involved.