HC Deb 24 July 1974 vol 877 c476W
78. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards granting planning permission for the extraction of minerals in areas of special natural beauty, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

Applications for permission to work minerals, like other planning applications, should be decided in the light of all relevant considerations. The impact on the landscape is an important consideration and in areas of special natural beauty an imperative case of need should be established before working is permitted.