HC Deb 21 April 2004 vol 420 c283
4. Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow) (Lab)

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on green belt policy. [166255]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Yvette Cooper)

None: it is a fully devolved matter.

Mr. Dalyell

Does my hon. Friend recognise the problem of some exceedingly prosperous and well managed firms somehow getting permission to put up offices and big buildings in green belt areas and then not quite keeping to the undertakings on the environment that they gave to get the permission?

Yvette Cooper

Companies certainly need to recognise their responsibilities towards the environment, the green belt and the planning system. It is possible for local planning authorities in England to put conditions on planning permissions, and if those conditions are violated, it is up to them to take enforcement action.