HC Deb 29 June 1994 vol 245 cc558-9W
35. Mr. Hain

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to reform planning law on opencast mining.

Mr. Baldry

Opencast coal mining is subject to the same planning law that applies to all mineral extraction. However, my Department has recently completed public consultation on draft revised planning guidelines for coal extraction and colliery spoil disposal which set tough environmental tests. New guidance will be published as soon as possible.

Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest available figures for levels of extraction of opencast coal.

Mr. Baldry

According to statistics compiled by the County Planning Officers' Society, 10.07 million tonnes of opencast coal were produced in England during the period 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993. The equivalent figures for Scotland and Wales are 5.4 million tonnes and 2.38 million tonnes.