§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what was the number of planning decisions considered by his Department in each of the last six years;
(2) what was the number of planning decisions in Wales decided by inspectors under statutory authority in each of the last six years.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe total numbers of planning appeals in Wales decided in the years 1973–78 inclusive were as follows:
1973 511 1974 514 1975 646 1976 523 1977 481 1978 503 Of these the numbers decided by Inspectors were:
1973 330 1974 413 1975 473 1976 413 1977 374 1978 398 The figures for 1979 are not yet finalised. I shall write to the right hon. and learned Member as soon as they are available.
§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average time taken between referral of a planning matter to his Department, and decision. either by himself or by inspectors acting under statutory authority.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsIn 1979 the average time taken was:
Secretary of State decisions By Inquiry 54 weeks By Written method 51 weeks Inspectors' decisions By Inquiry 34 weeks By Written method 31 weeks