HC Deb 23 May 1972 vol 837 cc355-6W
Mr. Idris Owen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many structure plans have been formally submitted to him for his decision; and by which local planning authorities.

Mr. Graham Page

None. But commencement orders have been made requiring plans to be prepared by three groups of authorities whilst a further 97 authorities have been invited to start work on structure plans. Work is in progress on these plans and once the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill has been enacted further commencement orders will be made. It will also then be possible for authorities preparing joint structure plans to proceed to the formal stages leading to submission.

Mr. Idris Owen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors are currently available to his Department to conduct public local inquiries under the Planning Acts; and how many of these are full time civil servants.

Mr. Graham Page

162 of whom 134 are full-time civil servants.