asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is able to announce the detailed arrangements for the local inquiry into the order designating the North Pennines as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Yes. The local inquiry will open at 10.30 am on Tuesday 8 October in the council chamber, county hall, Durham. The inspector appointed to hold the inquiry is Sir Stephen Berthon, KCB, and he will be assisted by Mr. G. A. Goulty, who will act as assessor on questions of landscape merit. We will ensure that the arrangements are fully publicised.