§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effects of the European Water Framework Directive and European habitat regulations on section 36 consents under the Electricity Act 1989. [144188]
§ Mr. TimmsIn deciding whether consent should be granted for individual projects under section 36 of the Electricity Act, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will take into account a 113W range of interests and consult with a number of relevant statutory bodies including the nature conservation agencies and the Environment Agency. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry would expect any advice received from the statutory bodies as a result of the consultation to have regard to the legislation applicable to the functions for which they are responsible and for their advice to reflect their expertise in the implementation of such legislation.