§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by Whickham Urban District Council, developers and tenants of properties caused by the delay in reaching a decision by his Department on the public inquiry held on 23rd September, 1969 in respect of Durham Development Plan, Comprehensive Development Area No. 11 (Whickham) Whickham Front Street (No. 1) Compulsory Purchase Order 1969; and what considerations his Department is giving to the proposals put to the inquiry.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineAs I explained in my letter, I am only too well aware that delays in reaching decisions on development plans and compulsory purchase orders present difficulties for all concerned. Legislation passed in 1968 should speed up the procedure, but the case to which the hon. Member refers had to be dealt with under the old procedure. Decisions will be issued as soon as possible.