§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of planning applications submitted to his Department and decisions taken in each year over the past five years.
§ Mr. McElhonePlanning applications are submitted to my right hon. Friend for decision only in accordance with directions given under Section 32 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972, normally where an issue of special importance arises. The numbers involved are as shown in the following table:
Number called-in Granted Refused Withdrawn 1973 6 2 1 3 1974 8 3 4 1 1975 20 9 9 2 1976 10 2 6 2 1977 16 1 1 — Decisions have not yet been given on 14 cases called-in in 1977.