HC Deb 14 May 1992 vol 207 cc178-9W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many environmental impact assessments have been presented with planning applications in each of the last three years; and what assessment has been made of their compliance with the European Community directive on environmental impact assessment.

Mr. Allan Stewart

[holding answer 13 May 1992]: The number of environmental statements which have been notified to the Scottish Office is as follows:

Number
15 July 1988 to 14 July 1989 7
15 July 1989 to 14 July 1990 17
15 July 1990 to 14 July 1991 26

The planning authority to which the planning application is made is the competent authority for the purposes of European Community directive 85/337/EC on environmental assessment. It is the responsibility of that authority to ensure that an environmental statement meets all relevent requirements as part of the process of considering the associated planning application. Where an application is the subject of an appeal, or is called-in, the responsibility transfers to my right hon. Friend.