To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish a consultation paper on planning policy for opencast coal extraction; and if he will make a statement. [11978]

We have published a consultation document on the review of planning policy for opencast coal today. This consultation paper, which deals with England only, seeks views on the issues raised by the 10-point plan for opencast coal, which we prepared when in opposition, and the options for change. In the light of responses to this consultation, the Government will decide what changes to policy guidance could and should be implemented in interim planning guidance, which would better be accommodated in a full review, planned for 1998, of minerals planning guidance note No. 3—coal mining and colliery spoil disposal—and whether any legislative changes are necessary. I intend that this should be a short but thorough inquiry to remove any uncertainty. Copies of the consultation document will be placed in the Libraries of the House.The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mr. Chisholm), expects to publish shortly an equivalent paper for Scotland.