§ 65. Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the resolution of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) of 2 February, he will now reconsider his earlier decision not to call in the planning application for Westminster pier; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo. In considering whether to call in the Thames water authority's planning application for a new Westminster pier my right hon. Friend gave very careful consideration to all the material issues involved, including the impact of the proposed structure on the Palace of Westminster and its environs. We have looked again at the matter, in the light of the resolution referred to, but see no reason to take the decision out of the hands of Westminster city council, which is the local planning authority.