§ 8. Mr. Alexander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how he proposes to improve planning procedures in general and those relating to oil developments in particular.
§ Mr. William RossI shall consider whether there are ways in which planning applications, including those related to oil developments, might be handled more efficiently and quickly.
§ Mr. FletcherThat is very disappointing news for developers and objectors, especially those who want to see Scotland's key role in developing British oil developed to the absolute maximum. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with existing planning procedures and that one of the key reasons for this is the unwillingness of Government to come clean and state their intentions, especially on major decisions? Will the right hon. Gentleman please come clean and tell the people in affected areas precisely what the Government's proposals are?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman must appreciate that the Secretary of State cannot declare his intentions before an inquiry starts—
§ Mr. FletcherHe should.
§ Mr. RossIf the hon. Gentleman thinks that he should, he had better try to change the law. At present, the Secretary of State has a judicial function to perform at the end of an inquiry. The hon. Gentleman is asking me to throw aside the rights of people to object. That cannot be done.
§ Mr. GrimondWhen the right hon. Gentleman looks at planning procedures, will he examine the situation in the sea? At present, apparently there are no adequate procedures for siting installations and routing pipelines in the sea, and these are matters of great importance on the fishing grounds.
§ Mr. RossThat is a new aspect, and I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has raised it. It will have to be looked at.
1012 On the general point, much of the criticism in respect of planning inquiries often contradicts itself. Some people say that they are too quick. Others say that they are too slow. There is a case for looking at them generally to see whether, from the point of view of efficiency in the handling of inquiries, improvements can be made. We are doing that.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWill not the right hon. Gentleman show a little more urgency about this? This oil development is essential for the future development of Scotland. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a delay by even one year may cost £100 million on the balance of payments and all the benefits that it will bring to Scotland?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman should also appreciate that speed in this matter might well lead to a decision being taken which could be regretted in a year or even in 10 years.