§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Forman) of 24 January,Official Report, column 32, which organisation or individual is doing the research into the operation of consents under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990; what is its cost; on what date it was commissioned; what consultations were undertaken to determine the terms of reference of the research; when the report will be received; and if he will publish the research and its findings.
§ Mr. BaldryFollowing competitive bids, the research contract was awarded to Staffordshire university. The project commenced on 1 November 1993 and is expected to be completed by the end of April. The cost of the project will be in the region of £30,000, including VAT. The normal consultations were carried out on the terms of reference of the research. It is the Department's usual practice to publish research reports.