§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Banbury concerning freemasonry and the Planning Inspectorate; [R] [94950]
(2) if he will make a statement on the policy of the Chief Planning Inspector that freemasons will not be eligible to apply for employment with the Planning Inspectorate. [R] [94943]
§ Mr. PrescottThis policy was incorrect and has been withdrawn. However, all new appointees to the post of Planning Inspector shall have as a condition of appointment a requirement to declare membership of the freemasons (and any later membership to them).
I expect to reply to the hon. Member this week.