HL Deb 29 April 2002 vol 634 cc74-5WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether:

  1. (a) they have decided to dispense with the standard minimum period of 12 weeks set out in the code of practice on written consultations;
    2. WA 75
  2. (b) whether there are special reasons for ignoring the standard minimum period in the case of the Agricultural Scheme and the EC Environmental Liability Proposal;
  3. (c) whether there are more consultations planned with less than the standard minimum period; and
  4. (d) how many other consultations have been issued since 1 January with less than the minimum period. [HL3796]

Lord Whitty

  1. (a) The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is not dispensing with the standard minimum period of 12 weeks set out in the Code of Practice on Written Consultations.
  2. (b) There were timetabling difficulties associated with the consultations on the Agri-Environment Schemes Review and the EC Environmental Liability Proposals which resulted in consultation periods of less than 12 weeks. Criterion 5 of the code recognises the need for consultation periods to be shortened if the timetable is dictated by EU or other international processes, Budget or other financial cycles.
  3. (c) There are no consultations planned with less than the standard minimum period unless the circumstances surrounding the consultation fall under one of the exemptions covered by the code.
  4. (d) The department currently has issued eight consultation documents since 1 January with less than the standard minimum period of 12 weeks.