§ Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further representations he has received concerning disposal of colliery waste on Durham beaches; what replies he has sent; and what action he proposes to take to end this practice.
§ Mr. Graham PageAs the hon. Member will know, I received a deputation from Durham County Council and Easington Rural District Council on this matter last year. Since the hon. Member's last Question on the subject, on 6th December 1972—[Vol. 847, c.419.]—a letter has been received from Seaham Urban District Council inviting my right hon. and learned Friend to visit the Durham beaches. I told the council on 4th June that, as I had personally seen the beaches and was being kept informed of the situation, I was fully aware of the need for resolution of this longstanding and difficult problem. It is under active consideration and the local authorities will be informed as soon as a further pronouncement can be made.