§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for opencast development, having gone to appeal, have been refused by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanSince April 1987, the first date from which comprehensive data are available, 62 opencast mining appeals have been under consideration with the Secretary of State. During that time, 22 appeals have been upheld and 20 dismissed. One appeal has been withdrawn and 19 appeals have yet to be decided.