HC Deb 12 May 2004 vol 421 cc341-2W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures have been taken to consult the public over proposed amendments to the Environment Agency's Substitute Fuels Protocol. [169924]

Mr. Morley

The Environment Agency is undertaking a 12 week consultation on its proposals to revise the Substitute Fuels Protocol for use on cement and lime kilns, in accordance with Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations. Responses are invited by 18 June 2004. The consultation document has been sent to a variety of stakeholders and published on the Environment Agency's website. The Agency has engaged with the environmental trade press to encourage coverage of the consultation in relevant magazines and journals.

In preparing the list of consultees for direct mailing, the Agency has included national organisations such as trade associations, Government agencies, local organisations and members of the public with an interest in this subject.

Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received to extend the consultation period for amendments to the Environment Agency's Substitute Fuels Protocol. [169925]

Mr. Morley

The Department has not received any representations to extend the consultation period.

Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will extend the consultation period for amendments to the Environment Agency's Substitute Fuels Protocol. [169926]

Mr. Morley

The consultation period, of 12 weeks, has been set in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations. The Environment Agency considers that the 12-week period is appropriate in this case. The Agency has consulted on amendments to the Substitute Fuels Protocol on several consultations in the past.