§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received concerning the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the stop notice provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts of 1971 and 1977; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawGuildford borough council has recently complained that these provisions are inadequate. It proposes abolition of the right to trial in a Crown Court when proceedings are taken for contravention of a notice, and removal of the general limitation of the stop notices procedure to activities started within the last 12 months. My right hon. Friend is not convinced that such changes would be justified, but he is consulting the Lord Chancellor to see if it is possible to reduce delays in Crown court proceedings.