asked the Minister of Health what number of local authorities have not taken any action in respect of planning schemes under the Town and Country Planning Act; and whether any representations have been made to them by his Department as to the exercise of their powers under this Act?

The number of local authorities in whose areas a planning scheme is not either approved or in course of preparation is 329. The extent of planning control is increasing by an average of 150,000 acres per month and where a need of planning powers becomes evident, it is my practice to communicate with the local authority concerned with a view to the necessary action being taken.