HC Deb 15 July 1970 vol 803 cc228-9W
97. Mr. Michael Hamilton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will give an assurance before the planning inquiry in Salisbury opens on 28th July that it will be held in public in order to spare members of the public further long journeys to no purpose.

Mr. Graham Page

For the reasons that have been explained to my hon. Friend I cannot defer the coming inquiry, which will be concerned only with the applications for planning consent now before my right hon. Friend.

As regards in camera proceedings at this inquiry, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his Question on 9th July.—[Vol. 803, c. 96.]

Mr. Michael Hamilton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he will take action to enable the objectors to bring technical evidence at the Grimstead inquiry to rebut evidence previously given in secret;

(2) whether he will name one of the 200 alternative sites reported to his Department's inspector as having been explored before the suitability of chalk in the Dean Valley was determined;

(3) whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the origins of the present industrial activity at Grimstead before his Department's inspector reports upon extensions to that activity.

Mr. Graham Page

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to his question earlier today.

I cannot reopen matters decided following the earlier inquiry.

Mr. Michael Hamilton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he is to hold an inquiry into possible extensions of the Grimstead activity before his Department's discussions with the Council on Tribunals are completed and before the Council has opportunity to insist on fresh rules.

Mr. Graham Page

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to his question earlier today.