§ 40. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Power whether his attention has been drawn to the protests by Barnsley local authority and other neighbouring authorities against the plans for opencast coal-mining operations in their areas; and if he will give an assurance that no such operations will commence unless the agreement of the local authorities has been obtained.
§ Mr. GeorgeMy right hon. Friend is aware of the protests, but if the Board should apply to work sites in the areas, he would then have to consider each case on its merits under the Opencast Coal Act. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend would give full weight to objections by local authorities and others.