Planning (Opencast Mining Separation Zones) Bill

Chris Bryant Excerpts

Friday 11th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stunell]

I will set out my case. Let us be clear: coal extraction, like other mineral extraction, is different from most other sources of development. The resource can be extracted only exactly where it lies. Coal extraction is not footloose, like housing or retail development. If it is turned down in one field, it cannot simply move to the next field. Such things are not permanent operations. After extraction, the land must be restored to high environmental standards.

[Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)]

Many Members in the Chamber feel passionately about this issue because it directly affects their constituents. Two hon. Members have asked the Minister a direct question: do the Government support, oppose or tolerate the Bill? It seems that the Minister is trying to talk for another half hour, but that would be cowardly and would not answer—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman does not mean that and that he will take back the word “cowardly”.

[Chris Bryant]

Obviously I am not saying that the Minister is being cowardly, but if he were to do that, he would be cowardly.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw the word “cowardly” in this case.

[Chris Bryant]

If that is your ruling, Mr Deputy Speaker, I am happy to withdraw the word, but I want the Minister to answer the question directly for the people in the constituencies that are most affected, because otherwise he is a disgrace.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. We should not get carried away. Minister, I am sure that you have heard the points—you carry on.

--- Later in debate ---

[Andrew Stunell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that, but we have had something approaching an hour’s exposition of the local balance; it is only right for me to say something about the national factors, which also have to be taken into account.

The House needs to recognise that coal continues to play an important role in our energy mix and is likely to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It is a reliable form of energy and it makes a significant contribution to meeting UK energy demand; the figure is about 30%. Coal production in the UK has declined significantly in the past few years, but coal mining is still a significant industry in this country. The indigenous coal industry supplies 35% of our national coal demand.

[Chris Bryant]

That has nothing to do with the Bill.

[Andrew Stunell]

It has a great deal to do with the Bill, as the hon. Gentleman will understand in just a moment.