§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, before reaching any conclusions about the various proposals for new settlements along the A45, to the east or to the west of Cambridge, he will personally visit this corridor and discuss the strategic planning implications of the planning applications he has called in for his own decision with both honourable Members representing constituencies that may be affected in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and with the standing conference of East Anglian local authorities.
§ Mr. MoynihanIn reaching a decision on the proposed new settlement on the A45 east or west of Cambridge, the 165W Secretary of State will have regard to all the evidence presented to the public inquiry due to commence on 6 February 1990. It is not possible for him to meet either the hon. Members representing constituencies that may be affected or the standing conference of East Anglian local authorities (SCEALA) since to do so would give the appearance that the Secretary of State was giving separate and special consideration to one particular viewpoint outside the statutory process. For that reason he will also be unable to visit the sites personally. He will rely on the report of his inspector who will conduct site visits at the appropriate time.
I understand that SCEALA has recently decided that it wishes to give evidence at the inquiry. It is also open to hon. Members in the constituencies affected to give evidence to the inquiry if they so wish.