§ Mr. Cleggasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish his decision on the plan submitted by the Central Lancashire New Town Corporation.
§ Mr. John SilkinSubmission of the inspector's report on the inquiry into this extensive and complex plan is imminent. The plan must be studied in the light of that report. I cannot yet forecast a date for my right hon. Friend's decision.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the need to extend the offices of the Central Lancashire New Town Development Corporation at Cuerden Hall at an approximate cost of £272,000 whilst empty office accommodation is available in Preston; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinNo application has been made to my right hon. Friend by the Central Lancashire New Town Development Corporation for financial approval to extend its offices at Cuerden Hall.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfield that the payments to legal advisers employed by the Central Lancashire New Town Development Corporation for the public inquiry held at the Guild Hall, Preston, of over £20,000 was a reasonable use of public funds.
§ Mr. John SilkinSuch matters are primarily for new town development corporations to decide. They customarily employ counsel. I see no reason to dispute the Central Lancashire Development Corporation's decision to do so in this case.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the Central Lancashire New Town Development Corporation can give adequate consideration to the needs of public transport now that it no longer employs a transport planner.
§ Mr. John SilkinI am content to leave such matters for decision by the development corporation.