§ 43. Mr. Doverasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public inquiries held by his inspectors.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy inspectors are always concerned to conduct inquiries in an efficient and effective manner. I am, however, making various improvements in the arrangements for planning appeals. The new procedure for "instant decisions" is now being widely applied, and I am arranging for an experiment with informal hearings. I expect to announce other measures shortly following the consultation paper issued last October and a study by management consultants.