§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give consideration to the suggestion that architects should be invited to sit as members of public inquiry teams in an effort to reduce delays in the planning system.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy hon. Friend may have in mind the arrangements for the appointment of fee-paid inspectors to conduct planning appeal inquiries. There are difficulties about appointing practising architects. Experience is required of public inquiry procedure and understanding of planning objectives and policies. There is also a risk of conflict of interest. The matter can be looked at again however as part of the review of development control being conducted by Mr. George Dobry, QC.