asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have the fullest discussions with the Scottish Federation of Building Trades Employers before any legislation is proposed to charge building fees for planning or building applications.

Fees for building warrants have been charged by local authorities in Scotland since 1964. The prescribed scale of fees is adjusted periodically in consultation with the main bodies concerned, including the Scottish National Federation of Building Trades Employers.It has been decided in principle that applicants for planning permission should pay a fee to the planning authority so that the cost of deciding an application will be shared between the community and the applicant. A power to charge fees is among the provisions of the Local Government, Planning and Land (No. 2) Bill presently before the House. The scale of fees will be prescribed in regulations. My Department intends to consult widely on our proposals and will publish details shortly.