74. Mr. Grayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the serious damage caused by mining subsidence in the district of Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham; and whether he will issue a direction under the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, obliging the National Coal Board to take effective remedial 256W action with regard to all cases of mining subsidence for which they have some responsibility.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am aware that as in the past a certain amount of damage is being caused by mining subsidence in this district. The National Coal Board are taking action to repair any surface damage caused by their underground workings or to pay compensation, where they are legally liable to do so, in accordance with the existing laws of support. The question of any alteration in the existing legal position will be considered in due course in the light of the report of the Mining Subsidence Committee, which is now sitting.