HC Deb 25 July 1967 vol 751 cc314-5
26. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to give further guidance to local authorities about planning permission procedure linked with car parking facilities.

Mr. Willey

A circular is with the printer and should reach local authorities within three weeks.

Mr. Hastings

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this news will be very welcome as it is a long time since the Minister first undertook to give this guidance and there is still considerable confusion among many local authorities? Can he give some idea of the general lines of guidance which he intends to lay down?

Mr. Willey

We are obliged for the hon. Gentleman's representations. As he will have expected, the guidance will make it clear that it is a cardinal principle that no payment or other consideration can be required as a condition of the granting of planning permission.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that improper payments in the meanwhile have undoubtedly been made, and will he consider getting reimbursements made in suitable cases?

Mr. Willey

The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to deal with individual cases unless he lets me have particulars of them. If he does so, I will certainly consider them.

Mr. Allason

Has it not taken a very long time to tell local authorities that it is highly objectionable to demand payments in cash in return for planning permission?

Mr. Willey

The hon. Gentleman will understand that we have had to consult the local authority associations and we have only just received the last of the replies.