asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to make potential damage to neighbouring property a reason for refusing planning permission.

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind physical damage resulting from building operations or other activities on neighbouring land. Any landowner whose property is damaged by another's actions has means of redress through the courts and it is unnecessary to make the matter one for planning control. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I would be glad to look at it.