Barnes & Noble, New York, Q&A Session 23rd February 2002
Q: How will you handle the scouring of the Shire?
A: Peter Jackson states that this is a troubling chapter for him. He understands it was an important concern to Tolkien after experiencing the ravages of war, and how industry changed the countryside. He says he attempted to pay homage to this in the scenes shown in Galadriel's mirror, but that after three films of Frodo carrying the ring, he can't do it.
Thats it folks.