§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether it is his policy to look more favourably on planning applications for office developments over main line stations, because of their facilities for public transport, rather than elsewhere;
(2) If he will make a statement on negotiations he has had with the British Rail Property Board concerning property developments at main line railway stations.
§ Mr. CroslandI agree that appropriate weight should be given to the special consideration mentioned by my hon. Friend. This is in the first place a matter for the local planning authority. My Department has had discussions with British Railways on their outstanding applications for office development permits for projects at railway stations.