§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish revised planning guidance for on-shore oil, gas and coalbed methane development. [96523]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe have today issued draft guidance on on-shore oil, gas and coalbed methane development for public consultation. The consultation period will run until 7 January 2000. While the guidance on oil and gas updates that previously contained in Circular 2/85, the proposed guidance on coalbed methane is the first that has been prepared in respect of this potentially important new energy source. Copies of the consultation draft are available in the Library.