HC Deb 24 November 1971 vol 826 cc368-9W
88. Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce a Bill to ensure that a new planning application must be submitted for the re-opening of mineral workings where extraction has not taken place for three or more years.

Mr. Graham Page

The local authority associations recently represented that the exercise of planning control over mineral workings presented difficulties in this and other respects. I will be discussing these matters with the associations and thereafter as necessary with the minerals industry.

103. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to make mineral exploration subject to planning permission, in view of the damage it can do to the environment, especially in areas designated as of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr. Peter Walker

Those types of exploration which may cause damage to the environment would normally be of such a nature as to constitute development and would need planning permission.