asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has received an application for planning permission to build an oil refinery at Bohuns Hall Farm, near Tollesbury, Essex.

No, Sir.

Will my hon. Friend give an undertaking that such a radical change in land use in this area cannot take place without reference to his Department?

Such a proposal would constitute a substantial departure from the development plan. If, therefore, the local authority were minded to grant permission, it would have to refer the matter to my right hon. Friend.