Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is giving consideration to the effect on buildings and roads of mining subsidence; and what steps are to be taken to improve as soon as possible localities affected and to plan in the future to avoid building where subsidence is likely to take place?
§ Mr. H. StraussI am aware of the effect which mining subsidence may have on buildings and public services, and, in view of the fact that the remedy is difficult when damage has occurred every effort is made in planning an area to avoid the allocation for building development or road construction of land likely to be so affected. Where, notwithstanding the risk of subsidence, building development cannot be avoided, special provisions for me regulation of building may be included in the planning scheme so as to minimise the possible injury.