§ Baroness Hamweeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the statement by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 17 April (HL Deb, cols. 1020–26) and the answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on the Green Paper on planning on 24 April, whether those concerned with the future of the planning system would be able to comment on a White Paper, possibly incorporating a draft Bill, more fully and helpfully than on a ministerial Statement; and whether a White Paper and the opportunities it presents for participation in the development of policy would meet best practice in consultation more closely than a statement. [HL4009]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonAs I made clear in the exchanges to which the noble Baroness refers, the Government are committed to a continuing dialogue on the implementation of the planning Green Paper. The policy statement, which the Government plan to issue before the Summer Recess, will set out the Government's thinking in response to the consultation on the Green Paper. Our Green Paper was issued to allow a full consultation before the Government made any policy statement, whether in the form of a Statement or White Paper.