§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department took of countryside values in considering whether to object to the proposed opencast mining at Woodbank Farm, Armadale; if he will list each other factor considered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department; and if he will place in the Library the text of his Department's advice to the West Lothian district council on this proposal.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department was consulted by West Lothian district council about the proposed opencast mining at Woodbank farm, Armadale, in accordance with the established procedures for consultations on developments affecting agricultural land. Wider questions concerning the effect of the proposals on the countryside would be for others to consider. After considering the agricultural quality of the land in question and the scale and nature of the proposals, the Department advised that it had no objections provided restoration and after-care are undertaken to a suitable standard. A list of detailed restoration conditions was supplied to the district council. I am arranging for a copy of the Department's response and the conditions to he placed in the Library.