§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the need to safeguard the environment of rural areas especially sensitive to development from disturbances caused as a result of exploration for hydrocarbons.
§ Mr. Macfarlane[pursuant to his oral reply, 28 November 1984, c. 925–26]: My Department has today issued a circular to local authorities containing guidelines for planning control over oil and gas operations. I am placing a copy in the Library of the House. This publication fulfils the commitment I gave in April last year to issue guidelines to mineral planning authorities. I am grateful to everyone who commented on the draft circular when it was issued for consultation in August last year.