HC Deb 17 December 1975 vol 902 cc632-3W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times the Committee on Mineral Planning Control has met since August 1972; and when its first meeting was held.

Mr. Oakes

Committee meetings were held on 123 days. The first was on 15th August 1972.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he received the report of the Committee on Mineral Planning Control under the chairmanship of Sir Roger Stevens.

Mr. Oakes

The report was received by my right hon. Friend in May 1975.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why there has been a delay in publishing the report of the Committee on Mineral Planning Control.

Mr. Oakes

The report is a lengthy one with a number of appendices. Its size and complexity have caused considerable problems in design and printing, but it has now reached final proof stage.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (I) what is his estimate of the total cost of research undertaken by the Stevens Committee for Mineral Planning Control; and what would be the cost of regular publication of all completed research;

(2) what specialist research was commissioned by the Stevens Committee on Mineral Planning Control; what plans he has for publishing this research; if he will give details of the subject areas of research undertaken.

Mr. Oakes

The committee did not undertake or commission any research which will fall to be published separately from its report. As regards work undertaken by the committee in carrying out its remit and any recommendation by the committee in relation to further research, I must ask the hon. Member to await publication of the report.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many bodies submitted evidence to the Stevens Committee on Mineral Planning Control; and if he will list them in the Official Report.

Mr. Oakes

These particulars will be given to the committee's report when it is published.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total cost of the work of the Stevens Committee on Mineral Planning Control.

Mr. Oakes

The cost cannot be assessed until the report is published.

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