§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he proposes to appoint any further members to the panel conducting the inquiry into the Greater London Development Plan.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerYes. I am glad to be able to tell the House that Sir Roger Stevens, G.C.M.G., at present Vice Chancellor of Leeds University and Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humberside Economic Planning Council, has accepted an invitation to serve on the panel.
I regret, however, that Mr. Brian Parker, Senior Engineer of R. Travers Morgan and Partners who was appointed an assessor to the panel, is withdrawing. The firm, of which Mr. Parker is an employee, advised the London County Council in 1964 on the line of a portion of the so-called motorway box. Mr. Parker played no rôle in formulating that advice. No one questions the integrity of Mr. Parker or the firm. But to avoid any suggestion of bias—however illfounded—which might impair the inquiry, Mr. Parker has, with the approval of his firm, offered his resignation and I have reluctantly accepted it.
I am glad however to be able to announce that Dr. David M. Robertson, of Peat Marwick Kates and Company, has agreed to serve as an assessor.