§ Lord KENNETasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is constitutionally the case that the Secretaries of State may not take cognisance of new scientific or other research material after the completion of a public inquiry under planning law and, if so, whether it is in the public interest that such material should be ignored and, if not, by what means it can be properly introduced.
§ Lord BELLWINMy right honourable friends the Secretaries of State may take cognisance of any relevant new facts or evidence received after a planning inquiry provided that, if these have a material bearing on the proposed decision, the parties arc given an opportunity of commenting on the new matters.