125. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland approximately what proportion of the applications for licences to fell timber are first referred to the local planning authorities; and by how long such reference to the local planning authority holds up the decision whether to grant or refuse the licence.
Mr. McNeilThe proportions are approximately 10 per cent. in Scotland, 28 per cent. in England and 25 per cent. in Wales. The time taken up by the reference of licences to planning authorities varies considerably, the average time being between one and two months.