HC Deb 17 March 1982 vol 20 c353
16. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his intentions concerning the future of section 52 planning agreements in the Lake District.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I am still considering the representations made on the modifications that I have proposed to the relevant part of the structure plan.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is my hon. Friend aware that many are concerned to know the fate of section 52 agreements, both people such as myself, who are opposed to them and, to be fair, those such as the planning authorities, who impose them? Will he discuss the matter with his colleagues, as an early decision is of the utmost importance?

Mr. Shaw

I accept my hon. Friend's point. We intend to review the matter and arrive at a decision shortly.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is the Minister aware that the Lake District planning board wishes to retain the powers? Does he accept that one way to deal with the problem of second homes is to amend financial legislation? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that in these times it is utterly unacceptable that a person with two homes, one of which is within a national park, can claim tax relief against mortgage interest payments on the first home?

Mr. Shaw

I understand that the issue of second homes causes the hon. Gentleman's constituents and those of my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Mr. Lennox-Boyd) a great deal of difficulty. That is why we must take great care in examining the policy. A number of section 52 agreements have been enforced and some cases are coming before the courts.