HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 cc861-2W
Mr. Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time taken by his Department to deal with items sent to him for comment by metropolitan county councils under section 8 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

Approximately 80 per cent. of applications to the Department for consent under sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984 have been cleared within two weeks of receipt.

If delays are to be avoided it is essential that applications are made to the Department at an early stage, supported by the information necessary to enable a decision to be reached.