§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that a fair balance is maintained between the demands of extractive industries and the conservation of the existing environment and amenities in those areas of Wales designated as being of natural beauty, such as the district of Llanarmonyn-Ial, Clwyd.
§ Mr. Barry JonesPlanning control enables the conflicting demands on land of mineral working—and other development—and of conservation and amenity to be properly weighed before planning applications are decided. Such mineral applications normally fall to be decided by county planning authorities. I understand that an application for the extension of a quarry at Llanarmon-yn-Ial is presently before the Clwyd County Council which is engaged in consultation procedures.
§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines, if any, he has issued to local planning authorities with regard to the granting of planning permission for the extraction of minerals in those areas of Wales designated as being of natural beauty.
§ Mr. Barry JonesComprehensive guidance was contained in the booklet "The Control of Mineral Working" issued to local planning authorities by the then Ministry of Housing and Local Government. A copy of this is in the Library.414W More recently, the whole question of planning control over mineral working was referred to the Stevens Committee, whose report is now being considered in consultation with local authority associations and others concerned.