§ 25. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many cases where decisions in respect of appeals concerning the establishment of hypermarkets have been delayed for more than eight months because they raise important issues, the needs and wishes of consumers have been taken into account; and how this consumer evaluation has been undertaken.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThese appeals are subject to public local inquiries. Decisions are taken in the light of the evidence given at the inquiries.
§ Dr. Dickson Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the development of hypermarkets in England and Wales; and whether he accepts the proposals of the National Economic Development Council that he should draw 413W up a strategic plan for their development on a regional basis.
§ Mr. Graham PageI am sending the hon. Member copies of the circular 17/72 and Development Control Policy Note No. 13 about Out of Town Shops and Shopping Centres. Those documents were sent to local authorities last February. They drew attention to the report on "The Future of Shopping" of the Distributive Trades EDC.