§ Mr. WellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his policy on stimulation of the production298W of aggregate from less environmentally sensitive sources and to avoid, so far as possible, environmental and social costs, remains as set out in the Department of the Environment circular 21/82.
§ Mr. TrippierGovernment policy on the supply of aggregates is set out in circular 21/82. However this needs to be read with more recent policy statements on such matters as the development plan system and agricultural land. These are referred to in minerals planning guidance note 1 (general considerations and the development plan system) which was published by HMSO earlier this year.
§ Mr. WellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, prior to issuing a revised version of the Department of the Environment circular 21/82 entitled "Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England and Wales," he will issue a Green Paper on the subject to permit full consideration of the views of all those likely to be affected by the proposed changes.
§ Mr. TrippierRevised guidelines for aggregates provision in England and Wales are being prepared and a draft for consultation will be issued shortly. A period of at least two months will be allowed for consultation.