Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
The National Assembly for Wales
WRITTEN ASSEMBLY QUESTION
TABLED ON 8 MAY 2000
FOR ANSWER BY THE SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT
ON 12 MAY 2000
Alun Cairns (South Wales West): When will she make a decision on the licence to dredge sand off the Helwick Bank? (WAQ5187)
Who will she consult before making a decision on the licence to dredge sand off the Helwick Bank? (WAQ5188.)
What reports is she awaiting before making a decision on the licence to dredge sand off the Helwick Bank? (WAQ5189)
Sue Essex. Llanelli Sand Dredging Ltd has an existing licence to dredge sand at Helwick Bank, and is seeking to vary the condition limiting extraction to 150,000 tonnes a year. The Assembly has consulted widely to establish the views of interested parties, and a technical report from the company in support of the variation is expected before the end of May. When it is received all the data and information will be evaluated, including independent research findings, to weigh up any potential environmental consequences against the demand for sand by industry in south west Wales. If it is necessary to seek further information from the company or any consultee, then it will be done. It is not possible to be definite about the timing of the decision.