§ 5. Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state his statutory authority in respect of planning decisions relating to statutory undertakers.
§ Mr. Graham PageUnder the Town and Country Planning General Development Order statutory undertakers are permitted to carry out certain specified development needed to ensure the provision and efficient working of public services. Where a planning application or an appeal comes to my right hon. Friend for decision he is required in certain specified circumstances to exercise his authority jointly with the Minister responsible for the undertakers. In all other cases statutory undertakers are subject to the same planning procedures as other developers.