§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Green Book on minerals is expected to be published.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have been asked to reply.
Consultation on all chapters of the draft new edition of the Green Book (including the policy chapter) has now been completed. Its publication remains dependent on the making of regulations for the abatement of compensation 88W under the Town and Country Planning (Minerals) Act 1981 and the introduction of minerals amendments to the General Development Order 1977. I hope that both these items of legislation can be successfully concluded within the current parliamentary Session. The new edition of the Green Book will be published as soon as possible thereafter.