§ 7. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what surveys he has conducted to ascertain the degree of publicity given to planning applications by local authorities in accordance with the guidance given in Circular 71/73.
§ Mr. John SilkinA sample survey, undertaken in 1974, showed that the 1304 guidance given in Circular 71/73 was being generally followed.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware, however, that the publicity given to planning applications varies enormously among different local authorities? Will he consider laying down minimum mandatory requirements?
§ Mr. SilkinThe result of the sample survey is interesting in this connection. It showed that over a third of district councils used site notices over and above the statutory requirements and that more than four-fifths of all the councils concerned gave neighbour notification. I agree that it can be a bit patchy and that some authorities are much better than others, but the discretionary suggestions made by the Department in paragraph 7 of Circular 71/73, if observed, would get rid of all the difficulties.