§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken in response to the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on environmental pollution that his Department should issue a planning circular on the development of contaminated land.
§ Mr. WaldegraveA draft joint circular from my Department and the Welsh Office was issued for consultation on 31 October 1986. Depending on the comments received, it is proposed to publish the circular in spring 1987. It will contain guidance for prospective developers or purchasers and for local planning authorities on the issues raised when it is proposed to reclaim or reuse contaminated land. This is seen not only as a response to the Royal Commission but also as a valuable contribution to the Government's policy of bringing back into beneficial use, under-used land, particularly in urban areas.