§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the environmental impact of the proposed gravel extraction from the Thames estuary by Civil and Marine Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe decision to grant a licence for the extraction of marine sand and gravel rests with the Crown estate after consultation with those whose interests may be affected by the proposed dredging. My Department is responsible for co-ordinating these consultations and formulating the Government view. I understand that the Crown estate is at present considering the proposal made by Civil and Marine Ltd. and will take full account of all the environmental issues before any request for a Government view may be made.