§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account he took of public opinion before giving permission for a test borehole at Dounreay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonBefore reaching his decision to sustain the appeal lodged by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority against Highland regional council's decision to refuse planning permission for the drilling of two test boreholes at Dounreay, my right hon. and learned Friend gave careful consideration to all representations made including those from individual members of the public and those from organisations representing a wide range of public interests.