§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will list the minor works that have been undertaken to improve the appearance of unsightly spoil heaps.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI regret that it is not possible to compile a complete list, but I will send the hon. Member shortly some examples of such works carried out by the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what assistance and encouragement is being offered
22W
NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES IN LINCOLN AND LINCOLNSHIRE RESPECTIVELY AT 13TH JANUARY, 1958, AND 12TH JANUARY, 1959 Lincoln Rest of Lincolnshire Date Wholly unemployed Temporarily stopped Wholly unemployed Temporarily stopped 13th January, 1958 … 645 1,338 5,189 218 12th January, 1959 … 786 — 6,936 636 by his Department to local authorities in coalmining districts to help them rid their areas of unsightly spoil heaps.
§ Mr. H. BrookeUnder the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, all local authorities are specifically empowered to restore or improve the appearance of any derelict land in their area. If for this purpose any authority seeks my approval to acquisition of land or to the raising of a loan, I will give sympathetic consideration to the application.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if it is still his policy in co-operation with the Minister of Power to proceed with the projected pilot scheme for beautifying colliery spoil heap extensions.
§ Mr. H. BrookeAs my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained in his letter of 2nd May last to the hon. Member, the outline schemes for twelve selected heaps were suggested to illustrate improvements which might be made in suitable cases. I cannot say whether these particular heaps will be chosen for works of improvement when discussions take place between the National Coal Board and local planning authorities.