§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he issued a notice to Southend borough council about the development of a new ground for Southend United football club in Sutton road; what was the purpose of the notice; when he expects the council will be enabled to consider the planning application; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierOn 31 March 1988 the Secretary of State directed Southend-on-Sea borough council to refer to him the application for a new stadium for Southend United because, for the reasons given in the Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State's letter to my hon. Friend of 30 March, he considered it was one that he, rather than the council, should decide. A local inquiry is being arranged to enable 201W all interested parties to express their views, after which the Secretary of State will decide whether or not to grant planning permission. Since an inquiry is to be held, I am unable to comment on the merits of the proposal.