HC Deb 27 October 1986 vol 103 c70W
Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) why the Minister responsible for making the decision with regard to Portsmouth city council's proposal to refurbish the Portsdown Park estate made contact with members of the Conservative group on Portsmouth city council and officers of the council on 3 March with regard to the city's proposed refurbishment of the Portsdown Park estate; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what advice Portsmouth city council was given by his Department on ways to refurbish Portsdown Park which would not require Government approval;

(3) what correspondence passed between the Department and Portsmouth city council about Portsdown Park other than the decision letter dated 4 March; what telephone conversation took place on 3, 4 and 6 March; and if he will make a statement;

(4) why the Minister dealing with Portsmouth's application to refurbish the Portsdown Park estate advised that he could be surcharged or challenged in other ways if he approved Portsmouth's application.

Mr. John Patten

I shall answer these questions shortly.