§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish revised planning guidance on coal extraction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryWe have published new planning guidance for coal today. The guidance replaced the guidance in MPG3, published in 1988, and the interim planning guidance announced by the then Secretary of State on 25 March 1993.
The guidance seeks to provide a policy framework for mineral planning authorities and the industry to ensure that the extraction of coal and disposal of colliery spoil can take place in accordance with the full and proper protection of the environment and the principles of sustainable development. The Government believe that this can best be done through a clear and consistent planning approach at the local level within a broad national policy framework.
The best way of striking the balance between the economic importance of this indigenous energy resource 470W and the protection of the environment is through the careful consideration of individual applications within the framework of the development plan led system.
The guidance provides a stronger environmental framework than the existing guidance published in 1988. But I am confident that it will enable the industry to develop the mineral resource in a way that has proper regard to local concerns and is fully compatible with economic growth, the protection of the environment and the principles of sustainable development.