asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the basis in law for his decision to instruct reporters to determine certain planning appeals without reference to the Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement.

Section 33(8) of and schedule 7 to the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 provide for a planning appeal of a prescribed class to be determined by a person appointed by the Secretary of State. The classes presently prescribed are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Determination of Appeals by Appointed Persons) (Prescribed Classes) (Scotland) Regulations 1980 (SI 1980/1675). The use of this procedure has significantly reduced the time taken to issue decisions on planning appeals. Over 90 per cent. of appeals decided in 1982 were determined in this way.