HC Deb 13 January 2003 vol 397 c377W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to allow third parties to take court action against projects on environmental grounds; and if she will make a statement. [86413]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 12 December 2002]: The existing standing provisions for judicial review allow the courts to determine whether or not a specific party should be heard. They have demonstrated that they are willing to give standing to non-governmental organisations and members of the public in appropriate environmental cases.

In order to gain a fuller insight into NGOs views, DEFRA is funding a research project by Capacity Global entitled "Access to Courts: Barriers and Opportunities for Environmental Justice". This will look at the experiences of NGOs and individuals. Results are expected to be available in spring 2003.