§ 3. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to announce his decision following the public inquiry which was held at Consett on 10th September, 1968, into the application of Consett Urban District Council to build houses at Hamsterley Colliery.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Arthur Skeffington)My right hon. Friend expects to issue the decision later this month.
§ Mr. WatkinsWhilst thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that at the inquiry there was no conflict of evidence, and that in fact all the evidence presented was in favour of the application? Why has there been this delay?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonMy hon. Friend will realise that a large number of matters were raised at the inquiry, and that these had to be carefully considered. I know of my hon. Friend's concern. He may know that I visited the area earlier on.