§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding his Department's dealings with Dow Chemicals concerning their stated intention to set up a plant in the constituency of Brigg and Scunthorpe and their subsequent change of mind.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe application for planning permission was referred to my right hon. Friend under the rules governing departure from development plans. Because of the wide public interest in chemical processes and of objections, including one by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, he called in the application for his own decision. Apart from keeping the company informed of the proposed arrangements for an early public inquiry, my Department had no dealings with them. I understand that the company withdrew its application for commercial reasons but that it is exercising its right to acquire some land at the site under the option it holds.