Scottish Government

Access to Environmental Information: A Consultation

CONSULTATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REGULATIONS (EIRs)

The attached consultation document contains:-

• Draft EI(S)Rs 2004
• Draft Guidance on the EI(S)Rs 2004
• Draft Code of Practice on the EI(S)Rs 2004
• Questionnaire
• List of Consultees - please feel free to pass on a copy to any interested party not on the list
• Respondee information form

The Scottish Executive is also keen to hear of any good practice examples being carried out by authorities, which can be passed on and included within the final Guidance document. Examples should be on a separate sheet and forwarded along with your response to this consultation.

Responses to this consultation should reach the following address no later than 30 June 2004:-

The Environment Group
Sustainable Development Directorate: International Team
Scottish Executive
Victoria Quay
EDINBURGH
EH 6 6QQ

e-mail: EIRs.consulation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
fax: 0131-244-0195

These Regulations apply not only to public sector organisations but may in some cases apply to bodies in the private sector. Public authorities whose business associates include bodies from the private sector will wish to consider whether or not a copy of this consultation should be passed on to that private body.

All responses will be made available to the public in the Scottish Executive's Library and on the Scottish Executive's consultation web-site by 21 July 2004, unless you request confidentiality. Each response not specifically marked confidential will be vetted for potential defamatory material before being made public.

You may be interested to learn that a new e-mail alert system for Scottish Executive consultations (SEconsult) is currently being planned. This system will allow stakeholders, individuals and organisations to register and receive a weekly e-mail containing details of all new Scottish Executive consultations (inc web-links). SEconsult will complement, but in no way replace, Scottish Executive distribution lists. It is designed to allow interested parties to keep an eye on all Scottish Executive consultation activity and therefore be alerted at the earliest opportunity to those of most interest. The Office of the Chief Researcher of the Scottish Executive will publicise the launch of the system and would encourage you to register when it is available.

The time and effort you have given during your participation in this consultation exercise is very much appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Heather J McCabe
Sustainable Development Directorate:
International Team