§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the proposed European Community directive on environmental assessment of development projects was discussed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Environment) held on 28 June; whether Her Majesty's Government have any outstanding objections to the proposed directive; what objections have been raised by which other countries; and what steps are being taken to overcome these objections.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe proposed directive on environmental assessment was agreed by all member states of the Community except Denmark at the Council of Environment Ministers on 28 November 1983. At that meeting Denmark reserved its position generally pending the completion of a domestic review of environmental policies and also specifically on the application of the directive to projects which are approved by national Parliaments. Proposals which should be generally acceptable, have been made on this latter point, but at the Council meeting on 28 June, the Danish Minister stated that the review of his country's policy was not yet complete. Further progress therefore depends on Denmark.