asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to receive the report of Mr. George Dobry, QC, on planning procedure.

My right hon. Friends have received the report and it is being published tomorrow.We are most grateful for this report, which makes a number of specific recommendations intended to simplify and accelerate the handling of planning applications and appeals whilst maintaining the quality of planning decisions. My right hon. Friends and I are now considering what action should be taken on these recommendations. In doing so we shall, of course, be consulting local authority associations, professional bodies, the construction industry, and others with a close interest in development.