§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the actions taken by the Lanarkshire mining company, LAW Mining, in respect of petitioners against its planning applications to develop opencast mining; and if he will make a statement. [15977]
§ Mr. KynochMy right hon. Friend has received no representations about the reported action by LAW mining in respect of petitioners against its planning application. Clearly, it can sometimes be useful for a planning authority in preparing for decision making to take into account the views of applicants, objectors or consultees on representations made by other parties. However, should any party take it upon itself to make an inquiry about any such representation it should, of course, be undertaken in a lawful manner.