HC Deb 06 March 1953 vol 512 cc77-8W
Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many acres of land worked for ironstone remain unrestored in each parish of Northamptonshire; how many acres were restored last year up to the last convenient date, respectively, by levelling, by afforestation on level ground and by full restoration to agricultural use; and what variation is proposed in the rate of restoration.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The information is not readily available by reference to parishes. Current ironstone working in Northamptonshire is proceeding at the rate of about 270 acres per year and, with minor exceptions, is subject to planning conditions requiring full restoration to agriculture. With regard to land worked before July, 1950, when restoration conditions were first imposed, there are about 1,250 acres in Northamptonshire which have been left in "hill and dale" and which have not been afforested. I am at present considering proposals to level two areas, totalling 154 acres, with the aid of grants from the Ironstone Restoration Fund, and I hope that work will begin on this and other land during the summer. A programme for the restoration of the remainder of the land left in "hill and dale" is under consideration, and I hope that it will be possible to deal with a substantial amount if not the whole of such land in Northamptonshire within the next five years.