§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what geological evidence he has considered relating to the potential for development of superquarries for aggregate mining; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryGeological evidence about coastal superquarries was provided to my Department by consultants who were commissioned to investigate the potential of such quarries to supply aggregates to the south-east of England. A copy of the published report "Coastal Superquarries to Supply South-East England Aggregate Requirements" is in the House of Commons Library. The work undertaken by the consultants consisted primarily of a desk study of geological maps and other published material. Their resource assessment concluded that North West Europe—particularly Norway and Scotland offered a number of good opportunities for developing coastal superquarries.
My Department has taken the views of the consultants into account in preparing revised mineral planning guidance for aggregates on the provision in England and Wales (MPG6). Public consultation on the draft revised guidelines is currently taking place and a copy of this has been placed in the House of Commons Library. I have sent a copy to the hon. Member.
The Government consider that coastal superquarries could provide an increasing contribution to aggregates supplies in the next century and is currently seeking views on the practical levels which could be expected. The Government recognise that individual applications will 169W need very careful assessment both in respect of the proposed extraction and where the material would be landed.