§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has authority to order a public inquiry into the Greater London council's proposed ban on heavy lorries.
§ Mr. RidleyAs I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Eggar) on 12 November, at column 404, I have made clear my view that for a major London-wide proposal of this magnitude a properly constituted public inquiry would provide a well established, democratic method of assessment.
I understand that the GLC transport committee will be meeting on 21 November to consider the massive response to consultation and the many hundreds of calls for a public inquiry.
If the GLC decides not to hold an inquiry, I have powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to hold inquiries in connection with the exercise of my powers under the Act.