HL Deb 26 July 1989 vol 510 cc1551-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her majesty's Government:

Whether, with reference to Lord Hesketh's Written Answer (Official Report, 2/5/89; col. 139) about the possible conversion of the planning division of the Department of the Environment into an Agency, they will undertake to take advice and to consult in advance of making their decision rather than after.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Hesketh)

It is not intended that agency status should change the functions of the planning inspectorate nor its policy accountability to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State. He will, of course, take into account any points that noble Lords or others put to him.