§ Sir Donald Kaberryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what supervisory powers he exercises over the planning decisions of the Leeds city metropolitan council to ensure they comply with all requirements of Public Health Acts and Town Planning Acts.
§ Mr. KingThe Secretary of State has default powers which he rarely exercises. He also has the power to decide appeals against authorities' planning decisions, and the power to call in planning applications for his own decision. In addition he has a number of powers to confirm orders and directions made by the authority, including orders to revoke, modify or discontinue planning permissions.