§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the West Riding County Council is refusing the National Coal Board planning permission at Manvers Main Central Coal Preparation Plant to extend the tipping arrangements, and that this will result in the loss of 6,000 jobs in the South Yorkshire coal industry; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the extension to the existing tip is granted.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI understand that the National Coal Board has in hand tipping to last some three years. It has given notice of appeal to me against the county council's decision. If the appeal is pur-284W sued I shall ensure that it is dealt with as quickly as possible but it will of course have to be decided on its merits, after consideration of the evidence and arguments put forward by the parties.