Written question asked by Mohammad Sarwar (Labour) on Monday, 18 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 21 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of Network Rail's permitted development rights on sites of special scientific interest. (Failed OPQ) (Further information on 02.11.2004 at 426 c151W).

Answer: Mr. Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of Network Rail's permitted development rights on sites of special scientific interest. [192825] Mr. Bradshaw: No specific assessment has been made. Network Rail must seek consent form English Nature if they wish to undertake a potentially damaging operation on an SSSI in England in their ownership. The position is slightly different in Scotland. When the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 comes into force there will be a similar requirement to seek consent from Scottish Natural Heritage in Scotland.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c842W; 192825
Session: 2003-04
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Railways Network Rail Sites of special scientific interest Permitted development rights
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk