§ 36. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs the policy of his Department with regard to the exercise of his control over the siting and establishment of new garages.
§ Mr. BevinsI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind service garages. Any proposal for such a garage falls to be considered in the first instance by the local planning authority, which has regard to the provisions of the development plan for the area and any other relevant factors such as the effect on amenity and on road safety. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular which has been issued today to all planning authorities in England and Wales giving advice about the siting of petrol filling stations.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs my hon. Friend aware of the concern of some small garage men because of the action of some of the larger petrol companies? Can he take steps to ensure that a garage war does not develop between small and large garages, and that adequate protection is given against monopolistic tendencies?
§ Mr. BevinsMy hon. Friend will find that the situation will be much improved when this guidance is followed.