§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decision they have reached for the use of land for clay pigeon shooting without specific planning permission.
The Earl of CaithnessMy right honourable friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Wales have considered carefully the responses to a consultation paper which we issued in December. They have concluded that the General Development Order 1988 should be amended to revert to 28 days' permitted use of land for clay pigeon shooting. They propose to lay an amending order before the House today. In reaching their decision they have taken particular account of two arguments. First, the change from 28 to 14 days' permitted use could result in less control and safety if shoots were to take place for 14 days on one piece of land and 14 days on another. Secondly, we have now concluded negotiations with the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association on a draft code of practice for clay pigeon shooting. This would apply to all clay pigeon shoots and would cover such matters as separation distances between shoots and noise sensitive premises, times of operation and sound reduction techniques. The draft code is now being issued for consultation. Subject to comments from consultees, when finalised it will be approved by my right honourable friends under Section 71 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.