Written question asked by Oliver Letwin (Conservative) on Monday, 27 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 July 1998. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Thursday, 30 July 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to prevent further quarrying on Dartmoor. - Includes ref to Minerals Planning Guidance Note 6.

Answer: Mr. Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to prevent further quarrying on Dartmoor. [53813] Mr. Raynsford: The Government's policy on minerals extraction in National Parks is set out in Minerals Planning Guidance Note 6. The Government consider that major developments should only take place in National Parks in exceptional circumstances. Because of the serious impact that working them may have on the natural beauty of these areas, the Government consider that all minerals applications must be subject to the most rigorous examination and that all mineral developments should be demonstrated to be in the public interest before being allowed to proceed. The Government have therefore welcomed the recent announcement by the Quarry Products Association of a review of the industry's activities within National Parks.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 317 c441W; 53813
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Industry Public interest Mining Quarrying Dartmoor Quarry Products Association