§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to meet the requirement in Article 6.1( b) of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in relation to decisions on proposed activities which may have a significant effect on the environment; and if she will make a statement. [179556]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 18 June 2004]: Appropriate steps have already been taken. The obligations under Article 6.1 of the Aarhus Convention primarily concern activities in relation to which environmental impact assessment may be required. At EC level, environmental impact assessment is governed by Directive 85/337/EC as amended by Directive 97/11/EC, which has been implemented in the UK by a number of statutory instruments. The criteria, thresholds and procedures for such activities are set out in legislation and explained in guidance published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister ("Environmental Impact Assessment: Guide to Procedures").
Directive 2003/35/EC made further provision for alignment between the Convention and Community law in relation to public participation and access to justice, in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment. The 1288W Government will take all steps necessary to ensure transposition of this Directive into UK law by the required date of 25 June 2005.