HC Deb 08 March 1972 vol 832 c323W
75. Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities reminding them of the need to reach decisions on planning applications for house building with the minimum delay.

Mr. Graham Page

I intend to be more specific with local planning authorities than reminding them of the need to reach decisions with minimum delay upon the 400,000 applications on which decisions are given annually—about 30 per cent. of which are in respect of new housing or house alterations or extensions.

After consultation with local authority associations, I propose to issue a circular containing proposals for speeding up the development control machinery.