HC Deb 31 May 1960 vol 624 c108W
14. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will give, for the most convenient recent three-year period, the number of appeals for permission for residential development he has refused after a local inquiry in cases where there has been a previous appeal and inquiry within the period; and what was the number of such cases where he has declined to hold another local inquiry.

Sir K. Joseph

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many appeals for planning decisions were heard in the twelve months ended 31st December, 1959; how many inspectors he employed to hear them; how many cases are now pending; and how long elapses on an average between the lodging of the appeal and the giving of the decision.

Sir K. Joseph

There were 4,302 local inquiries into planning appeals held in 1959 in England and Wales. The number of inspectors engaged mainly on this type of inquiry increased during the year from about 70 to about 90.

There were 4,234 appeals at various stages before my right hon. Friend on 30th April, 1960. This figure includes many cases in which the inquiry had already been held, and others not involving an inquiry. The average time taken from the lodging of an appeal to the issuing of decision has recently been about six months.