HC Deb 06 February 1980 vol 978 cc267-8W
38. Sir Derek Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his powers under sections 35, 47, and 48 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, he will refer to a planning inquiry commission, constituted under section 47 of the Act, any application for planning permission for development of Stansted airport, with a view to utilisation of the powers given in section 48 (4) of that Act to refer to the commission the question whether de- velopment for that purpose should instead be carried out at an alternative site.

Mr. Fox

Appropriate inquiry arrangements will be made when the British Airports Authority has come forward with formal proposals. The scope will be wide ranging and the inspector will be able to take into account any evidence and views which he considers relevant to whether the development in question should be permitted.