§ 4. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to amend the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1947, so as to prohibit members of local authority planning committees from appearing before such committees as their own agents.
§ Mr. WoodburnNo, Sir. This is a matter which I consider should be left to the good sense of members of the committee.
§ Mr. WillisHas my right hon. Friend seen the reports of the Edinburgh Planning Committee and is he aware of the expressions of concern which have been made, by members of all parties, at this particular practice? Will he look into this again?
§ Mr. WoodburnThis is a matter which is largely in the domain of the local authority itself and there is no reason why they should not make standing orders if they desire to make provision for such events. It is rather difficult to make general legislation on the basis of something committed by someone which someone else thinks is wrong.
§ Mr. WillisBut is it possible to make regulations and standing orders concerning them?
§ Mr. WoodburnYes.