§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the procedure for the exchange of proof evidence from parties appearing at public inquiries; and whether there is an agreed time for the evidence to be provided to the inspector.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleThere are various sets of rules governing the procedures to be followed at public inquiries. The particular set which is relevant in any particular case depends upon the enactment under which approval for the proposal falls to be considered. Most sets of rules provide for statements of case to be submitted by and served on certain specified parties at least 28 days before the inquiry opens, and for documents which are to be submitted in evidence to be made available for inspection. There are at present no statutory rules requiring the submission of full proofs of evidence.