§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last visited Oxleas wood, south-east London; when he last had communication with the European Commission regarding the east London river Crossing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryEnglish Nature, my right hon. Friend's advisor on matters relating to sites of special scientific interest, has visited Oxleas wood on several occasions, most recently on 16 July 1992.
There have been a number of exchanges between the Government and the Commission on the East London river crossing in connection with the application of the EIA directive, 85/337 EEC. In July 1992 the Commission announced its decision to issue a reasoned opinion under article 169 of the treaty of Rome. This has not yet been received.