§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he is issuing to local authorities to define in what circumstances they should or should not make charges for planning applications.
§ Mr. King: The Government's proposals for the scale of charges for planning applications are being issued for consultation next week. We shall take account of the responses to our proposals in framing the regulations, but at present we do not envisage that there would be any significant exemptions from charges. When the regulations are framed, we shall issue guidance to local authorities on their implementation.