§ Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to prevent local authorities levying rates on colliery shale heaps in view of the work of the National Coal Board and the Ministry of Transport which has led to the use of unburnt shale as a fill for major roads.
§ Mr. Greenwood:Under the existing law local authorities are obliged to levy rates on heaps which are rateably occupied and assessed. I would, however, draw my hon. Friend's attention to my reply today to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price). Colliery spoil heaps from which shale is being extracted are mineral hereditaments which will benefit from the changes I am proposing.