§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what specifically Scottish representations and participation took place in drawing up the National Land Use Classification as outlined in the Department of the Environment circular 16–17; and if he is satisfied that the Royal Town Planning Institute's criticisms of the costs and efficiency of the proposals contained in this circular do not apply in Scotland.
§ Mr. William RossOfficials of my Department took part in the development of the National Land Use Classification and were in touch with Scottish local authorities and universities throughout.
I understand that the Institute criticises the use of the National Land Use Classification in preference to the Local Authority Land Use Classification which is used 49W by some English local authorities but not, so far as I am aware, by any Scottish authority. The Scottish Development Department's Circular 8 /1976 made clear that expenditure on introducing the National Land Use Classification should be avoided unless net savings would result.