§ Mr. David Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he 356W will undertake to hold inquiries into the environmental import of coal development before any coal developments in Oxfordshire are commenced.
§ Mr. Denis HowellNo coal mining development, other than opencast working by the National Coal Board, which is subject to special procedures under the Opencast Coal Act 1958, may take place without planning permission. If a planning application is made in respect of coal development the holding of any inquiry will be considered in the light of the particular circumstances.