HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 c539W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures available for the number of opencast site inquiries since February 1974 where the Minister overruled the advice of the inspector; how many of these decisions were in favour of opencast coal working; and if he will list the sites concerned in theOfficial Report.

Mr. Eadie

Two, in both of which the decision was in favour of opencast working. The sites were:

  • Kingswood, Staffordshire.
  • Glyn Glas South Extension, Dyfed.

Working was authorised on two other sites where the inspectors had made no recommendation, namely

  • Butterwell, Northumberland.
  • Bryn Pica Extension South, Mid Glamorgan.

In six other cases the inspector's recommendation was followed. In one of these the authorisation was refused. In the five others it was granted.