§ Mr. Cynog DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if environmental appraisal will be required for project funding bids for ERDF moneys in all circumstances; [14826]
(2) at what stage in the bidding process for project funding for ERDF moneys environmental appraisals will be assessed; [14825]
(3) if he will establish a specialist advisory group to undertake critical evaluation of environmental appraisals relevant to project funding bids for ERDF moneys; [14827]
(4) when he will issue guidance notes on the significance attached to environmental appraisals in project funding bids for ERDF money. [14828]
§ Mr. RedwoodA statement in respect of the environmental impact of development proposals is required for all ERDF applications; in addition, a full environmental impact assessment is required for all projects with costs above 15 million ecu.
These statements and assessments are taken into account during the process of project appraisal, and the environmental contribution of a project is one of the key criteria used in selecting projects for ERDF assistance. Given the considerable experience in environmental matters available to assist the secretariat and the wider partnership in appraising projects, it is not considered necessary to establish a specialist advisory group in this field. A comprehensive guidance note intended to assist ERDF applicants has recently been issued to the rural Wales and industrial south Wales partnerships; it includes guidance on environmental appraisals.