HC Deb 25 January 1977 vol 924 cc536-7W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further consideration has been given to the Franks Committee recommendation that the Inspectorate of his Department should be transferred to the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Mr. Shore

The matter was considered again following the formation of the Department of the Environment in 1970, and it was decided that no fresh factors had emerged since the Franks Committee reported to suggest that their proposal should be taken further. The question of who should be responsible for the panel of inspectors who conduct highways inquiries on behalf of my right hon. Friend and myself is one of the matters being looked at in the review of highways inquiries procedures currently under way with the Council on Tribunals.