Written question asked by Sam Gyimah (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2010. It was answered by Robert Neill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 October 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Minerals: Planning Permission

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will review the effectiveness of the targets for strategic minerals planning.

Answer: My Department publishes at intervals guidelines to inform the provision of aggregate minerals in England through the planning system. My Department monitors and reviews the implementation and operation of the guidelines in consultation with key partners. When we revoked regional strategies on 6 July we made it clear that mineral planning authorities have responsibility for continuing to plan for a steady and adequate supply of aggregate minerals to support economic growth. We also indicated that we would work with the minerals industry and local government to agree how minerals planning arrangements should operate in the longer term.

Secondary information