HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc677-8W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in regard to the Government response to Cmnd. 8877 entitled "Coal and the Environment", if he will list those undertakings for which his Department is responsible which have already been fulfilled and dates for those which yet have to be undertaken.

Mr. Ancram

Action on the undertakings within my right hon. Friend's area of responsibility given in the noted paragraphs of Cmnd. 8877 is as follows:

Paragraph 29: The valuation of National Coal Board property in Scotland will be reviewed along with all other property for the 1985 revaluation.

Paragraphs 39 and 40: River purification boards and islands councils have been consulted and the replies received are now being analysed. The phased implementation of part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 dealing with discharges into water courses has begun.

Paragraph 55: The NCB's rights under the Town and Country Planning (General Development) (Scotland) Order 1981 are being considered as part of a more general review of the provisions relating to minerals in the order which is at present in hand.

Paragraphs 71 and 77: Responsibility for Authorising opencast mining will be transferred to planning authorities in Scotland under transitional arrangements to be introduced later this year.

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