§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what explanation 741W there is for the delay in the start of negotiations between the Devon planning authority and the two china clay companies on a proposed comprehensive waste tipping plan for the Shaugh and Lee Moor area of southern Dartmoor, in view of the archaeological and landscape importance of the area known as "Area Y" on Shaugh Moor.
§ Mr. John SilkinMinerals planning control is a matter for county planning authorities, and I cannot answer for Devon County Council in this case, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the council has no power to compel the two companies to negotiate a tipping agreement.