§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he took into account in reaching his decision on whether temporary poster hoardings around construction sites should require planning permission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneMy right hon. Friend took account of the criteria specified in section 63 o f the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, namely, the extent to which this type of advertisement should be restricted or regulated "in the interests of amenity or public safety". In October 1982, my right hon. Friend's predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) consulted a wide range of organisations with an interest in advertisement control; and my right hon. Friend has also taken account of their comments in reaching his decision that this type of outdoor advertisement should have the benefit of "deemed consent" for a period not exceeding two years. At present, my right hon. Friend has nothing to add to his Department's press notice No. 429, issued on 10 October.