HL Deb 19 March 1997 vol 579 cc1013-4

8.56 p.m.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers) rose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 19th February be approved [13th Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Earl said: My Lords, these regulations simply update, replace and simplify the existing regulations, which date from 1985. The regulations and the associated draft guidance have been the subject of full consultation with the minerals industry, mineral planning authorities, environmental and amenity bodies and other professional groups. A summary of the main points that they raised, together with the Government's response, was placed in the Library on 17th February.

As the regulations are technical and as they were discussed with the industry, it might be for the convenience of the House if I were not to go into a great deal of explanatory technical detail but to move the regulations formally. Of course if any of your Lordships has a problem relating to them I shall be only too glad to enter into the detail. I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 19th February be approved. [13th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Earl Ferrers.)

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Earl for introducing these regulations. Could he perhaps define further the reference in paragraphs 3 and 4 to "working rights"? What does the phrase mean?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, the rights to work minerals.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, does that not infringe on certain agreements which may be entered into between people who work minerals and people who do not work minerals—employers, employees? Is this not a matter on which the noble Earl might wish to take advice?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, I cannot think what the noble Lord, Lord Williams, is worried about. It is all set out in Regulation No. 2.

On Question, Motion agreed to.