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Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Answer

Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that offshore dredging of marine aggregates does not adversely affect fish spawning. [199496] Keith Hill: I have been asked to reply. No offshore dredging of marine aggregates can take place without first receiving an environmental consent called a favourable 'Government View' from the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. His decisions on Government View applications are only reached following wide publicity and consultation, including with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which, in turn, consults the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science; the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate and local fishermen. Applications are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment and must be accompanied by an Environmental Statement. Only if he is satisfied that there will be no significant effect on the marine environment, including, if appropriate, effects on fish spawning, will the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, consider issuing a favourable Government View. Consented proposals are subject to conditions relating to mitigation and monitoring measures; where appropriate, these may relate to fish spawning.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

199496; 428 c189W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Coastal areas Aggregates Fisheries Environment protection Fish Nature conservation Dredging

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk