HC Deb 21 February 1985 vol 73 c536W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that all consent applications under section 8 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984 are processed within one month of submission.

Sir George Young

In the period up to 31 January 1985, 78 per cent. of section 8 applications were processed within four weeks and 92 per cent. within five weeks.

Applications are dealt with expeditiously, but a small minority of applications can remain outstanding for substantial periods pending the receipt of adequate supporting information from the authorities concerned.