§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's handlings of large-scale energy projects of the proposals contained in the lecture by Sir Frank Layfield to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on 10 November, attended by his officials, concerning the planning inquiry process, and in particular the case for early appointment of assessors, continuity of inquiry staff, and financing of umbrella organisations of objectors; if he will seek to obtain a transcript of the meeting; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Government's views on major public inquiries were given in the reply to the fifth report of the Environmental Committee, Session 1985–86, "Planning: Appeals, Call-in and Major Inquiries" (Cm 43). A transcript of Sir Frank Layfield's lecture is not yet available. I shall write to the hon. Member once I have studied it.