HC Deb 13 July 1993 vol 228 cc417-8W
Dr. John Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what considerations led to the timing of his direction of 7 July to Copeland borough council not to grant planning permission to the Sellafield mixed oxide plant at the meeting of the council's planning committee on that day; when his Department first knew about the application; and if he will make a statement;

(2) under what statutory powers, and for what reasons, his officials directed Copeland borough council not to grant planning permission for the Sellafield mixed oxide plant;

(3) when he expects to be able to reach a decision on the application by British Nuclear Fuels plc for planning permission to construct a mixed oxide plant at Sellafield.

Mr. Yeo

On 23 June my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State received a request from British Nuclear Fuels plc for a direction that environment assessment of its proposal for a MOX plant at Sellafield was not needed. Although BNFL subsequently withdrew that application the Secretary of State decided that he ought to reach his own view. To provide time to consider the arguments Copeland council was directed, under the provisions of article 14(1) of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988, not to grant permission on 7 July when they considered the application.

We will conclude our consideration of this matter as soon as possible. I will write to the hon. Member.