§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his written reply to the hon. Member for Clydesdale, 17 February,Official Report, column 663, he will now publish the proposals for the protection of the environment and the quality of life of communities affected by opencast mining and other similar activities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many representations were received about the revised draft planning guidelines for opencast coal mining issued for consultation in April 1987.
§ Mr. Trippier[holding answer 25 April 1988]: Revised guidelines on planning control over opencast coal mining will be issued shortly. These will aim to help mineral planning authorities ensure that the right balance is struck between environmental considerations and economic benefits when planning applications for opencast working are considered. Sixty letters of representation were received in response to the consultation document.