§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken to reach a decision on public inquiry reports submitted to him.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThere were 38 decisions made in 1987 following public inquiries into town and country planning matters. The average time taken was 23 weeks.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public inquiry decisions are outstanding in Angus district; what were the dates of conclusion of the public hearings; and when the final decision will be announced in each case.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI assume that the hon. Member has planning decisions in mind. The only outstanding decision is in relation to planning proposals for housing development at Small Glebe, Newtyle, which were the subject of a public local inquiry in March 1987. My right hon. and learned Friend will issue his decision on this case shortly.