§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what cases have been brought to his notice of mineral exploration within the national 252W parks for which no prior planning permission was sought.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am aware of nine cases involving preliminary geophysical or geochemical work where planning permission has not been sought. I understand that in all these cases local planning officers have been informed of the work being done and of the areas of operation.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many authorised explorations for copper, tin, gold, zinc, lead, fluorspar, and nickel, respectively, are currently proceeding within the area of the national parks; and how many of these have been assisted under the Mineral Exploration Act, 1972.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantSixteen mineral exploration programmes in national parks have been submitted to the Department in accordance with the arrangements for administering the Mineral Exploration and Investment Grants Act, 1972. No applications for contributions towards the cost of these programmes have yet been received. The breakdown of minerals sought is as follows:
Copper and associated ores … 11 Lead/Zinc … 3 Fluorspar … 2