HC Deb 20 November 1986 vol 105 cc259-60W
Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he as made of the impact of easing the planning regulations for the fast service restaurant industry on the number of new jobs which could be created; and if he will make a statment.

Sir Antony Buck

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implication of further planning restrictions on the fast service restaurant industry for the potential for new jobs in that industry throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. Marland

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's proposals to modernise the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 on the fast service restaurant business; and if he will make a statement.

Dame Jill Knight

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications of the Property Advisory Group's recommendations on modernising the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 for the creation of new jobs in the fast service restaurant business.

Mr. Allan Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications of the Property Advisory Group's recommendations on modernising the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 for employment in the fast service restaurant business.

Mr. Tracey

Following an earlier report by the Property Advisory Group which was published for comment, the Government's proposals for a modernised Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) order were put out for consultation in June. The effects on business activity and therefore employment were taken into account in shaping those proposals. We proposed that fast service restaurants, which are currently not in any use clase, should be included in a new "prepared food" class. The effect of this would be to widen the range of buildings which could be taken over for use as fast service restaurants without the need for planning permission. We are considering carefully the representations which we have received in response to our consultation paper.