asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what development charge will be paid by the British Electricity Authority to the Central Land Board on account of hydroelectric development in North Wales.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 28th June, the proposals will have to be submitted to Parliament in a Private Bill. Until the details of the scheme have been settled, the Central Land Board cannot determine what development charge will be payable.

Is it quite clear that a development charge will be paid to the Central Land Board?

Yes, I endeavoured to make that clear. A development charge is payable in these circumstances.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is holding up the publication of the survey of North Staffordshire expected by the end of last year; and when it will be available.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the whole of the consultants' report. He is, however, arranging for advance copies of the planning proposals to be duplicated and sent to the planning authorities as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that on 25th May, 1948, his right hon. Friend said that he understood the work was proceeding steadily and that it was hoped to finish it by the end of October, but that we are still without the information?

The work has proceeded; it is the publication and printing of the copies which sometimes takes time, but the survey should be in my hon. Friend's hands shortly.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal of Esher Urban District Council for controlled tipping of refuse on Ditton Common, Surrey; and whether, as this area is a natural and charming open space which will be spoilt if this proposal is carried out, he will intervene with the object of preserving it.

I have seen reference to the proposal in the Press. Any such proposal would, however, have to be submitted to the Surrey County Council as local planning authority, and I understand that that has not yet been done. Until that is done and the county council have had an opportunity of considering it, I can express no opinion. My right hon. Friend will keep in close touch with the county council about it.

Is there anything that my hon. Friend can do to persuade these Conservative-controlled local authorities to be more public-spirited when matters of this kind come before them?

Irrespective of the merits of this question, to turn Conservative into progressives is always very difficult, and sometimes impossible.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the hon. and gallant Member for Chertsey has already written to him and to the county council about this; and when it comes before him will he give a rather more definite and satisfactory answer than he has given now as to the action he will take?

It is not our function to answer such questions, but for the local authorities to take such action in the first instance, and we cannot interfere until they do so.

Will the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge) consult with the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. T. Brown) about asking questions concerning other Members' constituencies?