§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authority associations concerning the difficulties of consulting member authorities because of the confidentiality of the documents on public ownership of development land which were supplied by him to the associations; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. John SilkinThere are well-established procedures for confidential consultations with the local authority associations about forthcoming legislation. I have discussed with the associations the basis on which they may now consult member authorities, and they have welcomed this.
§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will place a time limit on the exemption from public ownership proposed in respect of land for which planning permission exists if such land remains undeveloped;
(2) what representations he has received concerning his proposal to exempt land owned by builders from public ownership; and what replies he has sent;
(3) what representations he has received concerning his proposal to exempt land for which planning permission has been given from public ownership; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mrs. Taylor).