asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can explain the delay in confirming the pedestrianisation order for certain streets in Durham City; and if he will now expedite the authorisation of this scheme.

The Secretary of State's consent to the making of this order was sent to the Chief Executive and Clerk of Durham City Council on 20th May 1975. The application was received in November 1974, and involved assessment of the report of the public inquiry and a number of objections, together with consultations concerning the modifications proposed in the original order.