§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the notes for guidance sent to independent inspectors who conduct public inquiries are legally binding or discretionary;
(2) if he will publish the notes for guidance sent to the independent inspectors who conduct public inquiries.
§ Dr. GilbertThe purpose of the notes is to give general advice to such inspectors on the conduct of inquiries and associated procedural matters. Because the notes are not legally binding, but leave matters to the inspectors' discretion, I do not think it would be appropriate to publish them. If, however, my hon. Friend has a particular aspect of the conduct of inquiries in mind perhaps he would write to me.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that officials of his Department are not used to either replace or supplement the police in their rôle at public inquiries.
§ Dr. GilbertThe rôle of the departmental officials is simply to assist the inspector in the orderly conduct of the inquiry.