§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered the resolution sent to him from Stanley Urban District Council, urging the Government, in view of the damaging effect brought about by the extraction of coal from seams under housing estates, to 857W determine that some form of roof control should be enforced, either by packwalls or packing, so that the surface is not affected and thus eliminate the possibility of damage to property; and whether he is taking the necessary steps to meet the situation?
§ Mr. Tom SmithI have seen a copy of the resolution and am well aware of the problem, which has already been examined by a Royal Commission. My hon. Friend will appreciate that, in view of the need for concentrating every effort on the production of coal, it is not practicable to take any special action at the present time. Colliery companies, as my hon. Friend will be aware, habitually stow waste material in the voids from which coal has been extracted.