§ Mr. FormanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department has given to local authorities about how to carry out environmental appraisal of development plans.
§ Mr. BaldryPlanning Policy Guidance Note 12 asks local planning authorities to carry out an environmental appraisal of their development plan policies. In addition, the Department today published "Environmental Appraisal of Development Plans: A Good Practice Guide" which provides advice on a straightforward range of techniques and procedures. It clearly shows the benefits of environmental appraisal, and how it can be easily integrated into stage of the plan-making process. Environmental appraisal can be an important tool in