§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the expected publication date for the Scottish Office coastal discussion paper;
(2) what progress has been made on producing national planning policy guidance on the coast;
(3) what initiatives the Scottish Office is undertaking to promote coastal zone management in Scotland.
§ Sir Hector MonroMy officials are working on a discussion paper on coastal policy issues, which will be published as soon as possible. The paper will provide an overview of existing policies affecting the coast and will consider the need for planning guidance. It will also discuss the concept of coastal zone management as it applies to Scottish circumstances putting particular emphasis on partnership and the voluntary principle.