HC Deb 13 December 1949 vol 470 cc246-7W
Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many workings of new mineral areas in this country have been started since the passing of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Mr. Silkin

The only statistics readily available show that in England, Wales and Scotland the number of quarries and mines (other than coal mines) opened or re-opened in the two years ending last June was as follows: For the year 1st July, 1947–30th June, 1948–226 quarries; 13 mines. For the year 1st July, 1948–30th June, 1949–184 quarries; 24 mines. These figures may not be complete, and I cannot without detailed local investigation, say which were completely new workings and which were old workings re-opened.