HC Deb 07 May 1985 vol 78 cc308-9W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he will not express in numerical form the number of relevant representations he has received relating to section 7 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984.

Mr. Waldegrave

A precise figure could not be provided, since not all of the numerous representations received are in writing, and it is not always clear whether representations relate specifically to section 7 or to applications for consent under that section.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations have been received from prospective purchasers of properties for which consent had been sought under section 8 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984.

Mr. Waldegrave

Numerous representations have been received, a significant proportion of which were made by telephone. Many involved transactions for which no application for consent had been received from the authority concerned.

Mr. Tony Banks

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

Mr. Waldegrave

Sufficient staff and other resources will continue to be deployed to ensure that all applications are considered expeditiously on their individual merits.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 29 April, Official Report, column 39, what further information was requested from the Greater London council in respect of the three outstanding consent applications under section 8 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984; and when the additional information was sought.

Mr. Waldegrave

Letters requesting further information were sent to the Greater London council on 10 October 1984, 17 December 1984 and 29 January 1985. Copies are in the Library.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the answer of 29 April, Official Report, column 35, when consents were sought under section 7 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1948 in respect of the following organisations: (a) the Women's Peace Bus, (b) the London Lesbian and Gay Centre, (c) Interights, (d) Spare Rib and (e) Searchlight; and what is the reason for the delay in processing each case.

Mr. Waldegrave

The applications for consent were received from the Greater London council on 11 March 1985. Each needs to be considered carefully and on its merits. A decision has now been issued in respect of the London Lesbian and Gay Centre. The council has been asked to supply further information about the proposed grant to Searchlight Publishing Ltd.