HL Deb 13 December 1993 vol 550 c95WA
Lord Denning

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the first Answer of the Baroness Denton of Wakefield on 25 November 1993 (HL WA 18), whether the time and expense of the county council and Her Majesty's Government in respect of Park Farm, Membury, is so exceptional that the council itself is ready and willing to co-operate in an audit that may be requested by the Department, and if so whether the Department will so request.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

Although the Planning Inspectorate does not record the administrative cost for individual orders, the time and expense of Her Majesty's Government in respect of Park Farm, Membury, is not thought to be exceptional. Nor is there any evidence available to Her Majesty's Government to suggest that the resources employed by the county council in dealing with this matter have been excessive. For these reasons and the reason given in my reply of 25th November, it is the view of Her Majesty's Government that the expense of an audit would not be justified.