HC Deb 08 February 2002 vol 379 cc1186-7W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he plans to exclude national park authorities from the proposed parliamentary procedures for major infrastructure projects. [34827]

Mr. Byers

We are still consulting on the proposals contained in our document "Major Infrastructure Projects: Delivering a Fundamental Change". The closing date for comments is 22 March 2002.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to retain the Silkin test for major developments in national parks. [34825]

Mr. Byers

The `Silkin test' for major developments in national parks forms part of the national guidance to local planning authorities set out in paragraph 4.5 of Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) note 7 on the Countryside. We have no plans to change this policy.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the arrangements for pre-planning application discussions operated by the national park authorities. [34824]

Mr. Byers

The Department has not carried out an assessment of these discussions, which are not a part of the statutory planning process. We encourage pre-application discussions between planning applicants and local planning authorities. These can help to guide applicants through the planning process, clarify what is required and help them to formulate their proposals.