asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about public inquiry procedures in which his Department is concerned; and in what circumstances he would authorise an independent investigation.

I receive representations from time to time and many were made during the recent review of highway inquiry procedures of which the report was published as a White Paper — Cmnd. 7133— in April. The review was undertaken jointly by the independent Council on Tribunals and the Departments of Transport and of the Environment. We are in close touch with the council about the way in which the recommendations are being implemented.