§ 32. Mr. G, Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on how many occasions during the past year he has rejected the advice of his inspectors who have conducted public inquiries into disputed planning applications; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIn about 5 per cent. of the cases. Whenever I so decide, the letter conveying my decision explains why.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that he has a very bad name in Wales—[An HON. MEMBER: "What is it?"] Mr. Speaker, you would rule me out of order if I described it. Is the Minister further aware that at Capel Curig and in the case of Mr. Davidson the Minister followed his own whim and over-ruled his local inspector? Will he give further consideration to cases where public protests follow in the wake of the right hon. Gentleman acting against the advice of his own inspector?
§ Mr. BrookeThe case of Capel Curig is to be discussed on the Adjournment later. I think the hon. Gentleman is a bureaucrat—he believes that a Minister should always endorse the recommendations of civil servants. I take a different view.