§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up an inquiry into the operation of the agency system between metropolitan district and county councils.
§ Mr. John SilkinGeneral advice on agency arrangements was given to local authorities by circular in December 1972 after consultation with the associations of local authorities. That advice still stands, and it is for the local authorities to work out between themselves what particular arrangements to make in the light of local conditions and experience.
Formal applications Region On hand 31st March 1972 Received Approved Rejected Withdrawn On hand 31st March 1975 Yorkshire and Humberside … 1 42 24 5 Nil 14 Northern … … … … 7 93 56 4 7 33 North West … … … 1 63 40 2 2 20 South West … … … 7 13 14 2 3 1 Wast Midlands … … … 9 13 8 2 Nil 12 West Midlands … … … Nil 1 1 Nil Nil Nil Total … … … 25 225 143 15 12 80 Formal applications approved in principle are treated as not yet approved.