HL Deb 04 February 1991 vol 525 cc874-5

2.47 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will extinguish mineral extraction rights held under interim development orders.

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, the Government are aware of the concern about interim development orders. As was said during the second day of the Committee stage of the Planning and Compensation Bill on 29th January, powers already exist to revoke or modify old minerals permissions. Those powers are under review, but in the light of the concern about permissions granted under interim development orders the Government are considering whether some action should be taken in advance of the findings of the review. We expect to report our conclusions during the passage of the Bill.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, to a degree that is an encouraging Answer. But does the Minister acknowledge that there was an error in the Town and Country Planning Act, which failed to compel local authorities to register interim development orders, with the result that farmers who bought farms find their farms being taken away and people who have nurtured homes have lost those homes because of mineral rights in their area? Are the Government prepared to say that this is now a matter of grave urgency and that no single person should suffer any longer than is necessary?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I indicated that we are gravely concerned about the issue. We have set in train a thorough review. We also believe that there is some urgency about bringing forward an interim proposal. We propose to do so before the end of the passage of the Bill.

Baroness David

My Lords, is the Minister aware that we were very grateful for what the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate said about these orders last week? When I moved amendments on that occasion I asked whether it would be appropriate to make the EC directive on environmental assessment applicable to the review of IDO permissions. Will that be considered?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I cannot either prejudge the outcome of the review or judge what the review will take into account. All I can say is that there will be an opportunity when the interim proposal is brought before the House to consider those proposals.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, will the Minister be gracious enough to consider getting in touch with the Royal Geographical Society, whose magazine explained the situation in great detail? It is not by any means a magazine which exaggerates but a great geographical magazine. I am sure that the secretary general of the Royal Geographical Society would be prepared to help her department.

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I am confident that those carrying out this review will make sure that they consult the appropriate sources for information.