HC Deb 07 June 1984 vol 61 cc245-6W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the terms of reference of his proposed London planning commission, the composition of its membership, the time scale for it to prepare its advisory strategic guidance for London once it is established and the staffing resources it will require to do this.

Mr. Macfarlane

Decisions on these matters remain to be taken.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the proposed London planning commission will be required to vet each unitary borough development plan before it is adopted by the responsible borough council; if it will appear at inquiries into such plans in order to ensure that strategic policies are given their due weight; and what monitoring by the commission of borough planning decisions will be necessary to ensure the successful implementation of strategic policies.

Mr. Macfarlane

The role of the London planning commission will be purely advisory, and it will have no powers in relation to the borough councils.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to enforce the non-statutory advice of the proposed London planning commission if the Greater London council is abolished.

Mr. Macfarlane

No.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the London planning commission will be set up and what will be its proposed membership from (a) the private sector, (b) environment groups, (c) local authorities and (d) trades unions.

Mr. Macfarlane

Decisions on these matters remain to be taken.