To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the total number of planning applications for each of the last five years; how many in each year have been called in; if he will express those called in as percentage of the total number each year; what criteria are used for calling in by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [4087]

The information requested is as follows (England figures):

	Applications received	Applications called in	Percentage of applications called in
1990–91	530,358	132	0.02
1991–92	508,948	140	0.03
1992–93	461,982	101	0.02
1993–94	479,409	99	0.02
1994–95	479,188	167	0.03

My right hon. Friend's policy for calling in planning applications is set out in the reply he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Mr. Merchant) on 26 January 1995,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines his Department has issued to local authorities to ensure full public awareness of planning applications lodged; and if he will make a statement. [4085]

Advice to local authorities on publicising planning applications is given in the Department's circular 15/92.