Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities, representatives of the building trade and architects about the Government's proposals to introduce charges for planning applications; if he will give consideration to the view of the Scottish Building Employers Federation that the proposed new system will not reduce public expenditure; and if he will withdraw his proposals in the light of the representations he has received.
§ Mr. RifkindFollowing the issue on 17 June 1980 of a consultation paper on charging for planning applications, my right hon. Friend received 35 representations from developers, local authorities and other interested bodies, including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scottish Building Employers' Federation and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. He took account of all the views expressed in deciding on the scheme of charging contained in the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 1981, which have now been laid before Parliament in draft. The fees will offset public expenditure on the planning system by sharing the cost of deciding planning applications between local authorities and developers. The representations received do not in the view of my right hon. Friend justify withdrawal of the proposals.