§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the effect of the advice received by his Department from the Law Officers of the Crown, in so far as it relates to the forward plans of health authorities.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe advice received earlier this year relating to Crown land and planning permission was a setback for health authorities in their plans for the disposal of surplus NHS property. However, on 1 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment introduced the Town and Country Planning Bill. Successful passage of this Bill will enable health authorities and other Crown bodies to apply for planning permission prior to the disposal of surplus land, and will mean that the forward plans of health authorities will not be unduly affected.