HC Deb 06 July 1993 vol 228 cc79-80W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the purpose of the interdepartmental group on coastal policy; what issues it will consider; when its formation was announced; when it has met; and if he will list the names of those persons present on each occasion and the Departments they represent.

Mr. Yeo

The inter-departmental group on coastal policy was formed in 1991, prior to the start of the inquiry into coastal zone protection and planning undertaken by the Environment Select Committee. It is composed of officials from all relevant Government departments including Treasury, DoT, DTI MAFF, MoD, DNH, Home Office, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland, Crown Estate and other representatives. Its existence was announced in the Government's response to the inquiry in July 1992.

Key issues being considered by the group include the control of development below the low water mark, coastal management planning and links to implementation of the EC habitats directive.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to publish minutes of the meetings of the interdepartmental group on coastal policy; what recommendations have been made; and what response he has issued following the meetings of the group.

Mr. Yeo

The results of the work of the inter-departmental group on coastal policy will be published in discussion papers later this summer. There are no plans to publish minutes of the meetings of this group.