asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether the report of the public inquiry into the application to use Helmsley Moor as a bombing ground has been received; and, if so, when the decision will be made public.

Yes, Sir, and the decision will be announced very shortly.

Can the Minister explain why there has been the very long delay—nearly two years—between the public inquiry and the publication of the report?

I could not, without notice, agree that it has been nearly two years, but after these reports are made it is always desirable to consult a number of interested parties, including the local people, to see if we can reach agreement.

Has the National Parks Commission been consulted?

I could not answer that question without notice. It is a general rule that the National Parks Commission is consulted on such cases, provided they have arisen since the Commission was set up.