§ 18. Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the environmental effects of opencast mining. [17488]
§ Mr. HainNational planning policy on opencast mining is set out in Minerals Planning Guidance Note 3 "Coal Mining and Colliery Spoil Disposal". The guidance provides a policy framework for local authorities and the industry to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account into assessing proposals for opencast mining. A consultation paper seeking views on opencasting has been distributed widely, inviting comments by 5 December.