HC Deb 08 November 1973 vol 863 cc240-1W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up an inquiry at national level to investigate the supply and demand of quarrying resources, with the object of decreasing quarrying within the national parks.

Mr. Graham Page

The subject is already under investigation in several ways. The future supply and demand for aggregates—sand and gravel, limestone, igneous rock and sandstone—are already being studied and an assessment is being made of the nation's resources of these materials. The Department of Trade and Industry has commissioned the Institute of Geological Sciences to undertake an exploratory programme aimed at providing preliminary information on areas of potential mineralisation in Great Britain. More comprehensive information than is presently available on the extent of the country's mineral resources will result from these studies for use in long-term economic and land use planning and this will be of value in the consideration of future mineral working proposals in national parks.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the existing legislation, in view of the development of national parks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Graham Page

The report of the committee under the chairmanship of my noble Friend Lord Sandford which has undertaken a full review of all aspects of national park policies is expected shortly. All the recommendations of this report, including any which may call for legislation, will be considered most carefully.