§ 22. Sir Robin Turtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the reasons for his direction on 10th May, 1972, to the North Riding County Council that they should refuse the out line application, dated 1st February, 1972, for the construction of a factory and offices on York Road, Thirsk, when the Thirsk by-pass is open to traffic.
§ Mr. SpeedIf allowed, the application would have permitted construction to start before the bypass was open. The direction was issued to ensure this did not happen.
§ Sir Robin TurtonIs my hon. Friend aware that the delay involved in the submission of a fresh application will deny employment to many men in a town where unemployment is particularly high? Will he do everything he can, therefore, to expedite reconsideration of the proposal when it is submitted?
§ Mr. SpeedYes, I can certainly give that confirmation. At this stage the advice given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Development in a letter to my right hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Mal-ton(Sir Robin Turton) is good advice to take, but we are certainly anxious to see that there is no delay once road works are completed.