HC Deb 03 March 1971 vol 812 cc435-6W
Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why planning permission was given to the main contractors constructing the Hatfield by-pass in south-east Yorkshire to use good agricultural land for motorway fill when alternative supplies, particularly pit waste, are readily available.

Mr. Graham Page

This is a matter for the West Riding County Council as the local planning authority concerned. But as I have already informed the hon. Member in correspondence I understand that the contractor obtained this planning permission in order to extract material required for certain parts of the works for which pit waste would not be suitable. He does, however, intend to use substantial quantities of pit waste.

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in order to safeguard the environment, he will take steps to prevent agricultural land being used for motorway filling materials during the construction of the Ml8; and to ensure that alternative supplies of suitable material, particularly pit waste, are exhausted first.

Mr. Graham Page

My Department invited tenders for the relevant contract on a basis which permitted the use of colliery shale and I am informed that the contractor intends to use substantial quantities of it. There will be a residual requirement, however, for some other fill material.