§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with regional and district councils designed to ensure co-operation and coordination over development of land as envisaged in the Community Land Bill.
§ Mr. William RossConsultation documents were sent to all planning authorities in Scotland on 6th January, 4th and 20th March, 22nd May and 7th July, setting out the Government's proposals in relation to the community land scheme and asking for comments.
As soon as consultations have been completed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, I intend to issue a further note offering informal guidance to authorities on the making of land acquisition and management schemes.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many informal development control schemes allotting responsibility between regions and districts have been drawn up in Scotland; and whether he has any plans to encourage Scottish local authorities to draw up such schemes.
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§ Mr. William RossIn Scotland, development control is a matter for district councils, except in the islands areas and in those regions where the districts are not planning authorities. Accordingly, as responsibility is not divided, no question of allocating it arises.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that regional and district councils are working in adequate partnership where planning matters are concerned; and, in view of present public expenditure restraint, what recommendations he has made to them concerning such consultations.
§ Mr. William RossYes. I have issued general guidance to planning authorities on the operation of the new planning system and the respective functions of regions and districts.