§ THE EARL OF ALBEMARLEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any information to give about the extent of land subsidence, caused by brine pumping, in Cheshire; whether, in particular, they could indicate the areas which have been affected by brine pumping in the past and those which are likely to be affected in the future; and whether occupiers of land have any redress for the damage suffered by such subsidence, or the right to be warned in advance of brine pumping operations which might affect their land.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)Under the provisions of the Cheshire Brine Pumping (Compensation for Subsidence) Acts 1952 and 1964 occupiers of land (with title or interest in property as defined in the Acts) within a defined area may be able to claim compensation for damage caused by subsidence. The compensation district broadly covers all parts of Cheshire where subsidence from brine pumping has taken place or may be a possibility.
There is no statutory provision requiring warning to be given to land-occupiers in advance of brine pumping operations which may affect them. But the Acts of 1952 and 1964 provide for the local planning authority to consult the Compensation Board before determining planning applications involving, inter alia, the erection of buildings.
House adjourned at one minute before seven o'clock.