§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors were available to take planning inquiries in 1970, 1972 and 1973; what is his estimate of the number required in 1974 if the present system is continued; and what likelihood there is of obtaining them.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe number of inspectors available at 30th November 45W was 148 in 1970, 138 in 1971, 164 in 1972, and currently it is 218. Included in the last two figures are, respectively, 10 and 18 inspectors who are engaged exclusively on planning appeals dealt with by the written method. In addition, there are 47 members of the Department's panel of inspectors who are available to take planning inquiries from time to time.
It is not possible to give any precise estimate of the number of inspectors which may be required in 1974 but I certainly do not anticipate a reduction.