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8 Jun 2004 : Column 383W—continued

Social Chapter

Mr. Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the effects of the EU Social Chapter on the residents of Bootle. [177000]

Mr. Sutcliffe: The residents of Bootle have benefited from the EU Social Chapter by having their employment rights extended to include:


 
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In addition, the Information and Consultation of Employees Directive to be implemented in the UK by March 2005, establishes a right to new minimum standards for workforce communication and involvement in large firms.

Wind Farms

Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the visual impact of wind farms in operation; and if she will make a statement. [175000]

Mr. Timms: The visual impact of proposed wind farm developments is considered on a case-by-case basis by the relevant planning authorities.

The Government's national planning policy with regard to wind farms and renewable energy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note (PPG) 22: Renewable Energy, which gives local planning authorities guidance on a range of issues that affect the siting of wind turbines—including visual impact.

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the composition was of the working group responsible for the ETSU-R-97 report entitled the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms. [175562]

Mr. Timms: The working group responsible for the ETSU-R-97 report entitled the Assessment and

Rating of Noise from Wind Farms was:
Name
Mr. R. Meir—ChairmanDTI
Dr. M. L. Legerton—SecretaryETSU
Dr. M. B. AndersonRenewable Energy Systems
Mr. B. BerryNational Physical Laboratory
Dr. A. BullmoreHoare Lea and Partners
Mr. M. HayesThe Hayes McKenzie Partnership
Mr. M. JigginsCarrick District Council
Mr. E. LeemingThe National Power Company Ltd.
Dr. P. MusgroveNational Wind Power Ltd.
Mr. D. J. SpodeNorth Cornwall District Council
Mr. H. A. ThomasIsle of Anglesey County Council
Ms E. TomalinEcoGen Ltd.
Mr. M. TrinickBond Pearce Solicitors
Dr. J. WarrenNational Wind Power Ltd.