§ Norman BakerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is in respect of the removal of aggregates from the Median Deep section of the English Channel. [162900]
§ Keith HillMy right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering a proposal to dredge marine aggregates from an area known as Median Deep within the eastern English Channel. This proposal is one of a number of other similar ones within this part of the Channel that he has before him and which have been subjected to wide publicity and consultation.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will determine each marine minerals dredging proposal in the light of all material environmental information, including the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment, and his general approach to marine minerals dredging set out in 'Marine Minerals Guidance Note 1: Guidance on the Extraction by Dredging of Sand, Gravel and Other Minerals from the English Sea bed' (MMG1). This was published in July 2002 and copies were placed in the House of Commons Library. Copies may also be downloaded from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at www.odpm.gov.uk or obtained from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.