§ 20. Mr. Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for speeding up the process for dealing with planning applications referred to him.
§ Mr. MillanMy right hon. Friend's Department is conducting an exhaustive review of the management of planning, including all aspects of the planning process.
§ Mr. GrayWill the Minister undertake to make special investigations into the decision-making process within the 793 Scottish Development Department, and particularly within the road section of that department? Is he aware that developments in all affected areas of the country are now being held up due to what can only be described as bureaucratic bumbledom?
§ Mr. MillanI am aware that the hon. Gentleman is in correspondence with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in another place about some individual matters in his own constituency. I am anxious that there should be no delay in decision making in the Scottish Office or elsewhere.
This is, of course, only one part of the planning process, and the whole of the planning process is now under review.