HC Deb 19 December 1994 vol 251 cc971-2W
Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to review the planning inspectorate.

Mr. Gummer

The planning inspectorate, as an executive next steps agency, is being reviewed. As part of the usual arrangements for next steps agencies, performance and activities will be subjected to the normal prior options tests set out in the 1993 "Next Steps Review", Cm 2430.

Comments and contributions from those with an interest in the work of the agency will be welcome, and should be sent, by 28 February 1995, to Richard Jones, Planning Directorate, Department of the Environment, Room C13/16a, 2 Marsham street, London SW1P 3EB for England or to Peter Roderick, Planning Division, Welsh Office, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ for Wales.

The planning inspectorate was launched as an executive agency in the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office in April 1992. It serves the Secretaries of State for the Environment and Wales on appeals and other casework under planning, housing, environment, highways and allied legislation.