HC Deb 29 November 1960 vol 631 cc30-1W
60. Mr. Dingle Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will state the average time taken by his Department during the last three years in dealing with appeals from planning authorities under Section 16 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, in cases where the parties disagree with a public inquiry; and whether he will take steps to expedite the decision of such appeals.

Sir K. Joseph

About 5 months. My right hon. Friend is doing all he can to reduce this, but where no inquiry is held the main factor is the time taken by the parties in submitting their written statements.