§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when a consultation paper will be issued on the amended environmental assessment regulations for afforestation. [15850]
§ Mr. KynochThe Environmental Assessment (Afforestation) Regulations 1988 have to be amended to comply fully with Council directive 85/337/EEC. The amendments are technical in nature and will have limited practical effect. We shall decide on consultation when the revised regulations have been prepared.