§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what proposals he has to amend the passage in mineral planning guidance 3 of 1988 on opencast which says that it is in the national interest to maximise coal production;
(2) if he will withdraw mineral planning guidance 3 on opencast and let local councils decide whether they want opencast in their area.
§ Mr. BaldryI announced on 15 July that the guidelines will be revised. My Department expects to bring forward a draft for public consultation next year. I hope that the hon. Member will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt what the revised guidelines will say.
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consideration he will give to the level of overall coal production in taking the decision on whether an opencast site should be allowed at Baddesley Ensor in Warwickshire;
(2) when he expects to announce his decision on the application for an opencast site at Baddesley Ensor in Warwickshire.
§ Mr. BaldryI shall take account of all considerations which are material to the planning decision. The decision will be announced as soon as possible.