§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the powers of inspectors at Town and Country Planning Acts inquiries in relation to persons who knowingly give false information to such inquiries.
§ Mr. John SilkinAn inspector has no power to deal punitively with persons who give false evidence. However, if he has reason to doubt the truth of information given, his powers under Section 250(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 to require the attendance at the inquiry of any person and to take evidence on oath would appear to be sufficient to enable him to test that evidence.