The Peak District (Limestone Quarries)

Oral Answers to Questions — Local Government – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 December 1953.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Blenkinsop Mr Arthur Blenkinsop , Newcastle upon Tyne East 12:00, 1 December 1953

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he considered it necessary to agree to the continued working of three limestone quarries in the Peak district against the advice of the local planning authority and the National Parks Commission.

Photo of Mr Ernest Marples Mr Ernest Marples , Wallasey

I am sending the hon. Member copies of letters explaining my right hon. Friend's decisions on these three quarries.

Photo of Mr Arthur Blenkinsop Mr Arthur Blenkinsop , Newcastle upon Tyne East

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the explanations so far given have been wholly unsatisfactory? Is it not treating the authority rather improperly to disregard the very strong advice which it gave, in view of the anxiety of the planning board to make this national park a real success?

Photo of Mr Ernest Marples Mr Ernest Marples , Wallasey

The hon. Gentleman must realise and make the distinction between new industrial development in the national parks and the continuation of the old development there. I would call his attention to the fact that in Elmdon Hill and Sparrowpit the main factors which my right hon. Friend took into consideration was that the local authority supported it and so did the men's union, for the sake of continuing full employment in the district.