§ 87. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he has considered the resolution recently passed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and sent to him by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, in favour of legislation to make it compulsory to fill in marl holes after the extraction of the marl so as to prevent accidents; and what action he will take.
§ Mr. K. JosephMy right hon. Friend has considered this resolution. Local authorities have powers under Section 151 of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, to require the fencing of disused workings of this kind which are in places accessible to the public; and also have powers under Section 144 of the Highways Act, 1959, to deal with sources of danger adjoining a street. My right hon. Friend does not think any further general legislation is needed.