To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to alter the rules governing planning use class orders following the changes to the licensing laws in the Licensing Act 2003; and if he will make a statement. [127146]

I refer to the Written Statement made by my hon. Friend for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty), on 4 March 2003, Official Report, column 79WS, which stated that it is the Government's intention to change the Use Classes Order so as to put pubs and bars into a separate class. The effect of this change will be to require an application to be made for planning permission in respect of any proposal to change use of an existing building into a pub or bar.I expect to make a full statement on the outcome of our consultation on proposals for changes to the Use Classes Order early in the autumn session.