§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been made to local authorities for the development of opencast coal over the past 12 months; and how many have been approved.[R] [88943]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 29 June 1999]: Information on planning applications made to and approved by local authorities in respect of open-cast coal developments is not held centrally. General information on planning statistics is collected by the Scottish Office Development Department. However, there is no detailed provision for authorities to inform the Department of applications made for opencast coal developments unless the proposal falls within the scope of the Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications) (Scotland) Direction 1997.