§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indemnify local authorities against legal costs of defending appeals against planning decisions which are upheld subject to prior discussion between the local authority and the Scottish Office.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 20 May 1993]: My right hon. Friend has no powers to indemnify local authorities in relation to costs; in planning proceedings, including appeals, parties are expected to meet their own expenses. Where one of the parties applies at the appropriate stage in the proceedings, expenses may be awarded on the ground of unreasonable behaviour by another party which resulted in unnecessary expenses being incurred.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with COSLA on the level of legal costs incurred by local authorities regarding appeals against planning decisions.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 20 May 1993]: My right hon. Friend has had no discussions with COSLA on this matter.