§ 17. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received 926 concerning the need to safeguard the environment of rural areas especially sensitive to development from disturbances caused as a result of exploration for hydrocarbons.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI am well aware of the concern caused by increased interest in exploration for hydrocarbons, particularly in southern England. That is why', in August, this year, the Department issued draft guidelines to local authorities on planning control over oil and gas operations. Since then I have received 45 representations in response to our request for comments on the draft and some 20 other letters on site-specific proposals.
§ Mr. RossI congratulate the Minister on what he has done so far. I assure him that I am not referring to the Solent, but does he accept that some landscapes are so sensitive that the environmental interests outweigh even the need for oil? Does he accept that it is vital for the Department of the Environment and the Department of Energy to agree on those areas before embarking on the kind of process now taking place in the Solent?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI understand the concern that the hon. Gentleman expresses That is why, in response to other questions in the House on 24 October, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State made a commitment that environmentally sensitive areas should be subject to the most rigorous scrutiny. Local planning authorities and county authorities also have a major part to play, as in some respects they are the experts in the immediate location of the exploration activities. The draft circular therefore emphasises that environmentally sensitive areas must be paramount at all times.
§ Mr. NelsonThere will be widespread support for the report that my hon. Friend has circulated to local planning authorities, giving them guidance on the criteria that they should apply to such applications. However, is my hon. Friend aware that while those of us who represent areas of great sensitivity, including areas of outstanding natural beauty, wish to support the national interest, we have had representations from our local authorities to the effect that the report needs to be stiffened? It should explain exactly why onshore exploration is important in the national interest. It should give more figures and more reasons.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI can only advise the House on planning aspects. If my hon. Friend is anxious for details about onshore activities and the country's energy system, he will of course approach my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. However, the planning system allows the views of the public to be fully considered at all times. The local planning authorities represent the start of a rigorous process of appraisal.