§ 29. Mr. Basil Nieldasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he has considered an inquiry held on 14th July 2232 by an inspector appointed by him in relation to an appeal by Messrs. Charrington and Company, Limited, against a refusal of the Finchley Borough Council to permit the erection of licensed premises upon a site which had previously been approved by them for this use, and in respect of which a new justice's licence had already been obtained; and if he will consider issuing directions now to his planning authorities, to avoid rendering of no effect the decisions of the authorities appointed by statute to deal with matters relating to the grant of new licences.
§ Mr. SilkinThe answer to the first part is "Not yet." On the second part, I agree that co-operation between the planning authorities and licensing justices is important, and I am considering with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs how we can best secure it.
§ Mr. NieldIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I do not of course ask him to pronounce upon the case referred to in the Question. I am anxious to know generally if he will, as he indicates, take steps as soon as possible to avoid a conflict between the decision of the town planning authority, on the one hand, and the licensing justices, on the other, which may result in wasted expenditure, loss and hardship?
§ Mr. SilkinThere have been very few cases. I realise the inconvenience of these conflicts and it is for that purpose that I am having discussions with my right hon. Friend.