Petitions
Monday 23 November 2009
OBSERVATIONS
Communities and Local Government
Surface Mining (Shropshire)
The Petition of those opposed to UK Coal's proposals for surface mining in Huntingdon Lane and New Works,
Declares that the Petitioners oppose plans by UK Coal to re-open historic and new surface mining areas in and around New Works and Huntingdon Lane, believing that the proposals are contrary to current energy policies that are attempting to reduce climate change by moving towards more sustainable forms of energy and which reduce CO2 and carbon emissions; and further declares that the local environment, ecology, highway network, and the quality of life of local residents will be severely undermined should the proposal go ahead.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to put a stop to proposals for surface mining in Huntingdon Lane and New Works.
And the Petitioners remain, etc. -[Presented by Mark Pritchard , Official Report, 21 July 2009; Vol. 496, c. 855.]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the concerns of the petitioners regarding UK Coal's proposals for surface coal mining in Huntington Lane. He issued his decision on this appeal on 6 October 2009 and the reasons for the decision are set out in the letter. Having issued his decision, the Secretary of State has no further jurisdiction in this matter.
The Government recognise that there is a possibility that surface mining operations will have an impact on local housing and the environment. This is especially so given that minerals can only be extracted where they
naturally occur. However, this Government have a robust policy to ensure that the environmental effects of surface mining, and the potential impacts on nearby housing, are properly considered before planning permission may be granted. There are also additional tests applied to proposed extraction in designated areas, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Government recognise that coal will continue to have an important role in the UK energy mix. Coal reserves are an important national resource, and contribute to the Government's goal of security of energy supplies.
Health
Princess Royal Hospital, Telford
The Petition of residents of the Borough of Telford and The Wrekin and of East Shropshire and others,
Declares that the Petitioners have serious concerns about plans for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to cut local health services from the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford; further declares that these cuts aim to generate financial savings alone, and do not fully take into account local clinical and medical needs.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Health to use his powers to reverse the proposed plans.
And the Petitioners remain, etc. -[Presented by Mark Pritchard , Official Report, 27 October 2009; Vol. 498, c. 258 .]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Health:
It is the responsibility of the local NHS to plan, develop and improve health services according to the healthcare needs of the local population.
The Department of Health's 2008 publication "Leading Local Change" makes clear that any changes should be locally led, clinically driven and built upon a sound clinical case for change.
The issue referred to is due to be the subject of a formal local consultation exercise and I am asking the local NHS, through the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, to ensure that views of the petitioners are taken into account when making their decision.
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