§ Mr. Kenneth Bakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to abolish office development control; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingThe Government have reviewed the control of office development. This was introduced as a temporary measure in 1965 against the background of an office building boom and was primarily conceived as a counter to congestion in central London.
The Government are satisfied that office development within London and the South-East, where the requirement to obtain office development permits now applies, can be adequately controlled through the normal planning system.
The powers expire in 1982 but the control can be ended at any time by Order 693W in Council. My right hon. Friend is taking the necessary steps; he hopes an order will be made soon.