§ Q23. Mr. Owenasked the Prime Minister what consideration has been given to the submission made to him by the Morpeth Rural District Council concerning the social implications of opencast coalmining in their area; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe submission made by the Morpeth Rural District422W Council about the Coldrife site has been carefully considered. The points made in it were thoroughly examined at the public inquiry concerning the site, and subsequently. All the social implications of the proposal were fully taken into account by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power before he decided to authorise the National Coal Board to work the site.