§ 28. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has reached a decision on the planning application by a Scottish company, whose chairman is Mr. Tom Craig, to build a pelletising plant at Hunterston; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RossI have just received this planning application, which I will consider in the context of the statement on Hunterston which I made to the House on 9th July.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from Ayr County Council about the need for an early decision on applications for development at Hunterston; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. William RossThe county council wrote to me on 25th June asking for an early meeting about Hunterston. I have arranged to meet the council on 26th July to discuss the statement I circulated on 9th July.
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§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his intention to relinquish effective planning control of Hunterston when the Strathclyde Region succeeds Ayr County Council as planning authority.
§ Mr. William RossI have certain responsibilities under the Planning Acts which cannot be relinquished. Subject to these the procedure adopted in particular cases is a matter for judgment having regard to the circumstances.