§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to improve and speed up planning procedures or to implement the Dobry Report by legislative or administrative measures.
§ Mr. John SilkinDetailed comments on the report were made in a statement by my right hon. Friend last November which was brought to the attention of local authorities by Circular 113/75. Further advice was given in Circular 9/76.
§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he is making with the proposal to amend legislation in written representation procedures, and with amendment of the present rules as to the award of costs; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinIf what the right hon. and learned Member has in mind is a statutory timetable for these cases, my right hon. Friend indicated last November why the Government did not favour this approach. I hope to take the next legislative opportunity to extend the power to award costs to cover planning appeals dealt with by written representations and those withdrawn before inquiry.