Oral Answers to Questions — Deputy Prime Minister – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 21st April 2004.
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on green belt policy.
None: it is a fully devolved matter.
Does my hon. Friend recognise the problem of some exceedingly prosperous and well managed firms somehow getting permission to put up offices and big buildings in green belt areas and then not quite keeping to the undertakings on the environment that they gave to get the permission?
Companies certainly need to recognise their responsibilities towards the environment, the green belt and the planning system. It is possible for local planning authorities in England to put conditions on planning permissions, and if those conditions are violated, it is up to them to take enforcement action.