§ Mr. Nealeasked the Minister of Transport if he will relax the regulations which require that no small business can obtain planning permission to extend or enlarge its premises thereby creating additional employment opportunities where those premises lie within defined areas adjoining trunk roads unless the consent of his 393W Department is first obtained; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend has powers under the General Development Order to direct a local planning authority to restrict the grant of planning permission for any development proposals within 67 metres of a trunk road. The purpose of these powers is to protect trunk roads from development which might have an adverse effect on the safety and free flow of traffic. My right hon. Friend is currently considering whether this purpose might be achieved by a less comprehensive power of control.
§ Mr. Nealeasked the Minister of Transport if he will relax the regulations which require that no directional signs for small businesses may be constructed adjoining trunk roads without the consent of his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAdvertisement signs are subject to the Town and Country
£ million November 1978 prices Greater London Other Metropolitan Counties Shire Counties England Accepted expenditure Grant Accepted expenditure Grant Accepted expenditure Grant Accepted expenditure Grant 1975–76 369 152 418 148 695 126 1,482 426 1976–77 293 119 389 136 655 132 1,337 387 1977–78 257 116 292 98 485 80 1,034 294 1978–79 228 97 302 108 452 72 982 277 1979–80 240 104 283 91 503 94 1,026 289 1980–81 232 103 252 77 475 93 959 273 The figures for years before 1979–80 must be treated with reserve because of the difficulty of determining appropriate repricing factors.