§ 32. Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the increase in the number of oil refineries in the Thames Estuary, close to a growing residential population, he will now set up a planning inquiry commission or some other suitable body to inquire into the economic, social and environmental implications of such development, having particular regard to present overcrowding in the South-East and the expected development of the North Sea oil and gas industries.
§ Mr. RipponNo. I have no power to set up a planning inquiry commission in the present circumstances. Decisions on applications for new refineries take full account of the factors mentioned by my hon. Friend. Particularly careful attention is given to the pollution, health and other environmental aspects but I will consider whether any further action might be taken to reassure local opinion. We expect the local planning authorities in the Thames Estuary to take account of the wider implications of the existing and proposed refinery development in the preparation of their structure plans.