§ 2. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the effect of the measures taken to shorten the time for decisions in planning appeals and compulsory purchase orders; and whether he is now satisfied with the position in regard to this matter.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)With regard to compulsory purchase orders I think there has been no general difficulty. Their number is, in any case, falling. So far as planning appeals are concerned, about 60 per cent. more cases have been disposed of during the first half of this year than in the corresponding period in 1953; while the average time taken on each case has been slowly falling over the past few months. The number of appeals received is, however, still continuing at a very high level. I am watching the position carefully.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWill the Minister undertake to continue these satisfactory efforts and to give the decisions as speedily as is compatible with full justice to the parties?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir.