HC Deb 07 June 1972 vol 838 cc85-6W
41. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time taken between receiving a request from a London borough for his approval of a compulsory purchase order and the communication of his decision; if he will take steps to speed the process; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Speed

For compulsory purchase orders made by the London boroughs under the Housing Acts, 1957–1969, the average time taken to communicate the

total amount spent upon anti-pollution activity by each river authority in England and Wales; and how much this represents per person in each of the areas concerned, in 1971 or in the last full year for which details are available.

Mr. Speed

Following is the information:

decision is nine months in cases involving a public local inquiry and three months in other cases. Urgent attention is being given both to procedures within the Department and to the need to reinforce the inspectorate.