§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to a recent planning appeal in respect of an application to quarry lime from a gravel pit in the Saffron Walden area; whether the decision of the Minister of Housing and Local Government has been considered by the Council on Tribunals, and whether the Government can make any statement on the matter.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT KILMUIR)My Lords, this is a matter which has been considered by the Council on Tribunals under Section 1 (1) (c) of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act, 1959, which enables the Council on their own initiative to consider and report to me on any matters relating to a statutory inquiry which they may determine to be of special importance. The Council have sent me a report on the case and I am at present engaged in considering it, in consultation with my right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Questions of importance affecting planning inquiries are involved, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, could we be assured that in the meantime no action will be taken on the consent that has been given, or on the appeal that has been allowed? Because it is held that the decision may be very detrimental to the people of the neighbourhood and, if the allegations are correct, has been given on improper grounds?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I shall have to consult my right honourable friend on that point, and I will do so at once and communicate with the noble Lord. But I should like the noble Lord to know that I am treating this matter as one of great importance which, I think, involves very serious issues. I shall let him know also on that point when I am in a position to make a further statement.