§ Mr. LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current guidance given by him to local planning authorities in respect of opencast coal applications.
§ Mr. YeoCurrent guidance on the matters to be taken into account by mineral planning authorities when considering planning applications for opencast coal mining is contained in minerals planning guidance note 3 "Opencast Coal Mining", published by HMSO in May 1988. Copies are available in the House Library.