§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many proposals for the implementation of planning agreements under the provisions of Section 21 of the Planning Act 1975 are currently under consideration; if he will list the industries with which the current planning negotiations are concerned; if he is now satisfied with the way in which this section of the Act is operating; and if he is not satisfied, what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. CryerNegotiations on the second planning agreement with Chrysler United Kingdom have commenced. Planning agreement discussions with British Steel Corporation and National Coal Board are also in progress. Exploratory discussions are in hand with a number of companies in a wide range of industries. Announcements about progress in individual cases will be made as appropriate.
Although disappointed by progress in this important area, the Government remain firmly committed to the planning agreement concept.
562Wof £35.9 million in 1975 and £59.1 million in 1976. It is expected that the remaining £55.3 million will be approved in 1977. These commitments relate both to industrial and infrastructure projects and cover expenditure which may be defrayed during several successive years. The information requested in respect of the United Kingdom is: