Planning Inspectors

HC Deb 12 July 1999 vol 335 cc14-5W

Mr. John M. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Planning Inspectorate' s Guidance Notes for Candidates, in respect of the recruitment of planning inspectors (1999–2000) precludes candidates from membership of the Freemasons. [90246]

Mr. Raynsford

Because membership of a secret society such as the Freemasons may be incompatible with the requirement that Planning Inspectors should be fair, open and impartial.