§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail the EC guidelines governing the carrying out of an environmental impact assessment for major infrastructure projects; if he will make a statement on the relationship of the proposed Skye bridge public local inquiry proceedings to the guidelines;l and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 27 January 1992]The requirements for an environmental impact assessment on major infrastructure projects are set out in EC directive No. 85/337/EEC and the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988: The relevant guidance is contained in Scottish Office circular 13/88. A comprehensive environmental statement on Skye bridge has been published and will be fully considered at the public local inquiry.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what restrictions there are on whether the proposed Skye bridge public local inquiry can commence in the absence of an environmental impact assessment having been submitted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 27 January 1992]The Scottish office has published a comprehensive environmental statement which addresses the various issues involved. The environmental statement is the result an environmental impact assessment and has been published under part VI of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988, in accordance with EC council directive No. 85/337/EEC.