§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the implementation of the European Communities environmental assessment directive.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have today published, and placed in the Library, a consultation paper which sets out proposals for implementing the European directive on environmental assessment. They would apply to developments which are subject to planning procedures. The arrangements proposed will ensure that, for projects of major potential impact, comprehensive environmental data will be provided by the developer with the assistance of other bodies as necessary. Experience of the use of environmental assessment procedures has shown that they can help to resolve environmental problems at an early stage and avoid unnecessary delay and frustration when the planning application has been submitted.
The proposals are based on advice from a working party which included representatives of industry, local authorities and environmental groups. It was the unanimous view of the working party that the requirements of the directive could be met within the framework of the existing land use planning system. My right hon. and learned Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, are publishing consultation papers making similar proposals for Scotland and Wales which are also being placed in the Library.