§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on Government policy on planning considerations for opencast mining; and if he will advise the reporter at the public inquiry into plans for Tynemount at Ormiston of the implications of any proposed changes to planning guidelines. [132]
§ Mr. ChisholmGovernment planning policy in Scotland in relation to opencast mining is set out in National Planning Policy Guideline 4: Land for Mineral Working. Good practice advice in relation to the environmental effects of such development is contained in Planning Advice Note 50: Controlling The Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings. Both publications are available in the House of Commons Library.
While consideration is being given to current policy on opencast mineral extraction to ascertain whether some change is needed, the inquiry into the Tynemount, Ormiston opencast proposal ended on 15 May. In the event that a new policy was to be introduced prior to a decision being taken on the appeal, which was relevant for the decision, the hon. Member can be assured that the final decision would be taken in the light of that policy and in accordance with the Inquiries Procedure Rules.