§ Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what comparisons he has made between laws and regulations on planning in Great Britain and the European Economic Community; and what effect there would be on British practice if Great Britain joined the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe planning systems in Great Britain and the countries of the E.E.C. are diverse and a detailed comparison has not been made. The Treaty of Rome does not require harmonisation of laws on planning and continuing review of E.E.C. regulations has not suggested any potential cause of difficulty in this field.
If Great Britain joined the Community, there need be no direct effect on British practice.
§ Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what comparisons he has made of the laws and regulations in Great Britain and the European Economic Community countries on noise control, standards for discharge of effluent, and disposal of waste; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThese matters are so much affected by institutional organisational differences that comparisons are difficult. Generally speaking, I would say that the standards in this country are higher.