§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now introduce legislation, to make it illegal for local authorities and developers to make promises at local inquiries which are not subsequently legally enforceable; if he will make arrangements for local protesters to receive help in presenting their case; if he will make rules for technical jargon to be reduced to a minimum at such inquiries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageLocal planning authorities have power, within limits, to create legal obligations by specifying conditions under which development can take place. On the first part of the Question, I am therefore no aware of any difficulty; but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it. Inspectors are advised to help parties to inquiries who are not professionally represented to present their case effectively and to ask for technical terms to be explained whenever necessary.