§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's responsibilities are in relation to land use, planning and management. [7878]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 15 October 2001]: My Department has wide-ranging responsibilities to ensure that land is managed and developed sustainably. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has overall responsibility for policies on planning. DTLR consults DEFRA on environmental and rural aspects of the planning system, including on how these should be reflected in national planning policy guidance.
DEFRA advises on key planning and related issues that involve farming and wider rural economy and environmental interests. DEFRA works with Regional Planning Bodies and other stakeholders on Regional Planning Guidance and local development plan policies. Consultation with DEFRA is governed by the terms of national planning guidance and a statutory right to consultation.