What discussions his Department has had with private sector firms during the last year about the possible opencasting of coal in North Warwickshire. - None.

What discussions his Department has had with private sector firms during the last year about the possible opencasting of coal in North Warwickshire. - None.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, regarding the Birch Coppice opencast decision, which Mineral Planning Guidance Note was in force on 2nd August 1993.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, regarding the Birch Coppice opencast decision, which Mineral Planning Guidance Note was in force on 2nd August 1993.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, if he will set out in respect of each of the responsibilities of his Department those matters on which it is his practice not to answer parliamentary questions.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, if he will set out in respect of each of the responsibilities of his Department those matters on which it is his practice not to answer parliamentary questions.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, on which version of Minerals Planning Guidance 3 he expects to base his decision on Birch Coppice. - Ref to 239 c578W.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, on which version of Minerals Planning Guidance 3 he expects to base his decision on Birch Coppice. - Ref to 239 c578W.

What plans and provision he has made to compensate persons prejudiced by his decision of 24th February on the Birch Coppice opencast inquiry. - None.

What plans and provision he has made to compensate persons prejudiced by his decision of 24th February on the Birch Coppice opencast inquiry. - None.

How much his Department has spent on getting legal advice on the opencast decision at Birch Coppice in Warwickshire (a) from external sources and (b) from sources within his Department. - Inc figures.

How much his Department has spent on getting legal advice on the opencast decision at Birch Coppice in Warwickshire (a) from external sources and (b) from sources within his Department. - Inc figures.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, when a decision was made not to comment on the merits of a decision or the process by which it was reached.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, when a decision was made not to comment on the merits of a decision or the process by which it was reached.

If he will seek a comment from (a) North Warwickshire Borough Council and (b) Warwickshire County Council on the amounts they spent on the Birch Coppice public inquiry on 30th July to 23rd August 1991; and how much the Birch Coppice inquiry cost the applicants and his Department. - No.

If he will seek a comment from (a) North Warwickshire Borough Council and (b) Warwickshire County Council on the amounts they spent on the Birch Coppice public inquiry on 30th July to 23rd August 1991; and how much the Birch Coppice inquiry cost the applicants and his Department. - No.

How many lawyers are employed in his Department (a) generally and (b) dealing with opencast decisions; and how many lawyers in his Department have given legal advice on opencast decisions in each of the last three years.

How many lawyers are employed in his Department (a) generally and (b) dealing with opencast decisions; and how many lawyers in his Department have given legal advice on opencast decisions in each of the last three years.

Pursuant to 239 c578W, what steps he has taken to ensure that parties in respect of the Birch Coppice opencast application have the opportunity to make a submission based on the case and therefore on the Mineral Planning Guidance Note on which any decision is to be based, & various...

Pursuant to 239 c578W, what steps he has taken to ensure that parties in respect of the Birch Coppice opencast application have the opportunity to make a submission based on the case and therefore on the Mineral Planning Guidance Note on which any decision is to be based, & various...

What discussions has he had concerning the costs to councils, British Coal and objectors of his decision of 24th February to set aside his decision of 2nd August 1993 on Birch Coppice in Warwickshire. - None.

What discussions has he had concerning the costs to councils, British Coal and objectors of his decision of 24th February to set aside his decision of 2nd August 1993 on Birch Coppice in Warwickshire. - None.

Whether it is his practice to take legal advice before announcing a decision on opencast applications; and whether his Department obtains legal advice from other departments on opencast decisions as a matter of practice.

Whether it is his practice to take legal advice before announcing a decision on opencast applications; and whether his Department obtains legal advice from other departments on opencast decisions as a matter of practice.

Pursuant to 239 c578W. how many exceptions there have been to his policy of not answering questions on the merits of, or process leading to, decisions in each of the last 10 years.

Pursuant to 239 c578W. how many exceptions there have been to his policy of not answering questions on the merits of, or process leading to, decisions in each of the last 10 years.

What is the available information the total cost to his Department to date in dealing with all matters relating to the Birch Coppice opencast application.

What is the available information the total cost to his Department to date in dealing with all matters relating to the Birch Coppice opencast application.

When he made the decision to set aside his decision of 2nd August 1993 to refuse British Coal's application to opencast at Birch Coppice in Warwickshire.

When he made the decision to set aside his decision of 2nd August 1993 to refuse British Coal's application to opencast at Birch Coppice in Warwickshire.