§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to implement the European directive on environmental assessment; whether he intends to make use of existing powers under the Town and Country Planning Act 1972 with a view to implementing the directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyMember states are required to take the measures necessary to comply with the directive by 2 July 1988. Proposals for meeting its requirements were set out in a consultation paper issued in April of this year, copies of which are in the Library. It is intended to make full use of existing powers and procedures under town and country planning legislation, but a few new provisions will be required. Responses to the consultation paper are being considered, and it is too early to say when the necessary orders under the European Communities Act 1972 are likely to be made.