§ 8. Mr. Gerald Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to receive the report of the inspector into the Stolport site in London docklands; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Neil Macfarlane)The inspector's report has just been received in my Department and is now being studied. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the case now, but I shall issue a decision on the matter as speedily as possible.
§ Mr. HowarthDoes my hon. Friend agree that this privately funded project will act as a vital catalyst in securing investment and jobs in the derelict area to the east of the City, that it will take some pressure off Heathrow and that an early, favourable decision is needed? Will he try to announce his decision to the House before the recess?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI understand the issues involved, which will be drawn to my right hon. Friend's attention. The inquiry was long and raised many complex issues. I cannot forecast how long it will take to consider them, but I am arranging for the case to be treated with the utmost urgency.
§ Mr. Simon HughesWhen considering the report, will the Minister bear in mind that a key opportunity in the docklands is for sporting activity, especially on water, in the docks and on the river? Will he condemn comprehensively the attempt that will be made this evening by Southwark council to prevent the director of leisure and recreation from coaching the Olympic team later this year as being the last thing we want if we are trying to encourage sport in our inner cities, and encourage people to work for the better sporting prowess of the youngsters of inner London?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI agree that we should do everything we can to encourage sport in our inner cities and, indeed, anywhere. That is why my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State—the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton (Sir G. Young)—and the Sports Council are considering closely the Olsen shed project in the docklands. There are many complex and interrelated issues, all of which will have been addressed by the inspector.
§ Mr. SquireDoes not the action of Southwark council underline the wisdom of the Government in setting up the LDDC, and does my hon. Friend agree that it has achieved much success under its new structure?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI fully endorse my hon. Friend's comments. It is almost the only way in which we can make progress in that derelict part of London.
§ Mr. SpearingIs the Minister aware that the proposed Stolport is in my constituency? Is he also aware that throughout the inquiry, as far as I know—perhaps he will confirm it—the noise and safety regulations, and the inspector's recommendations in that regard, were based on the characteristics of the de Havilland dash 7 aeroplane? If the Minister wishes to change those recommendations or substitute them for his own, which might be more accommodating to the dash 8 or other noisier aircraft, will he undertake to give any such reasons to the House when he makes his decision?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI note what the hon. Gentleman says. Many complex issues are involved here. The Civil Aviation Authority, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and the Department of the Environment must make many decisions during the next few weeks. I shall ensure that the House is fully informed.
§ Mr. SoamesWhen talking about planning, will my hon. Friend undertake a review of the odious system whereby county councils grant themselves planning permission for pecuniary advantage to themselves? Does he agree that such decisions bring the entire system into disrepute?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI admire my hon. Friend's ingenuity in introducing that on this subject. While we might all have some sympathy with certain examples, I do not want to stray too wide, Mr. Speaker, and incur your wrath.