HC Deb 20 January 1977 vol 924 cc284-5W
Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to devising special forms of public inquiry into planning applications submitted by the National Coal Board which would enable national need, and energy policy generally, to be considered, rather than solely the terms of the individual application itself; and whether he will make a statement regarding his policy on this matter.

Mr. Guy Barnett

I have not so far been persuaded that it would be useful to go beyond the existing planning procedures.