§ Mr. WaldenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to include representatives of the environmental and amenity organisations in membership of the regional aggregates working parties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe regional aggregates working parties provide technical advice on the issues which concern the supply and demand for primary aggregates. The local authority representatives ensure that the Secretary of State is fully appraised of the environmental aspects of aggregates provision. However, I do of course welcome the views of amenity or environmental groups about the demand forecasts and the environmental implications. Their comments will be very carefully considered in the preparation of the new draft guidelines on the provision for aggregates to replace mineral plan guidance note 6. This will be the subject of a full public consultation exercise in due course.