§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many tonnes of aggregate dredged from British coastal waters was exported in each of the last five years;
(2) how many licences have been issued for aggregate dredging in British coastal waters in each of the last five years;
(3) how many tonnes of aggregate were dredged from British coastal waters in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Crown Estate licences the extraction of sand and gravel from British coastal waters and collects statistics relating to those licences. The Crown Estate has provided my Department with the following information.
Year1 Total amount dredged (tonnes)2 Amount exported (tonnes) Number of licenses issued 1988 25,807,914 2,379,391 8 1989 28,038,429 2,528,839 6 1990 25,281,728 3,817,947 Nil 1991 20,343,856 4,613,982 8 1992 20,559,002 6,317,232 Nil 1 Figures for 1993 not available yet. 2 Includes beach nourishment and contract fill.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what environmental safeguards exist for the dredging of aggregate in British coastal waters.
§ Mr. BaldryThe decision to grant a licence for the extraction of marine sand and gravel rests with the Crown Estate after consultation with those whose interests may be affected by the proposed dredging. My Department is responsible for co-ordinating these consultations and formulating the Government view. Each proposal is considered on its merits and careful consideration is given to all potential environmental impacts before deciding whether or not to grant a favourable Government view. On the basis of a favourable Government view, the Crown Estate will decide whether to issue a licence to dredge and will lay down appropriate conditions to protect marine and coastal interests.