§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effects of sand dredging on coastal erosion. [28115]
493W
§ Ms Keeble[holding answer 17 January 2002]: Careful consideration is given to all of the environmental implications of marine minerals dredging proposals that are submitted to the Secretary of State. Each proposal is subject to environmental impact assessment that includes a coastal impact study prepared by HR Wallingford. The proposed dredging will be allowed only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that there will be no unacceptable coastal impacts.