To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what timetable has been set for (a) the revised edition of Planning Policy Statement 4 and (b) the introduction of a competition test in retail planning. (294884)

The final version of Planning Policy Statement 4 will be published by the end of the year.

On 2 October 2009, the Competition Commission recommended the introduction of a competition test into the planning system for planning applications by grocery retailers as a remedy to the adverse effect on competition it had identified. If adopted this would apply not only to England but to the devolved administrations. The Government has 90 days to respond to the Commission's report from the date of its publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what definition of consumer choice his Department plans to use in its revision of Planning Policy Statement 4. (294892)

Policy EC6 of Draft PPS4 requires Local Planning Authorities to support the diversification of uses in town centres and plan for a strong mix of retail uses, recognising that smaller shops can significantly enhance the character and vibrancy of a centre.

We will publish final PPS4 by the end of the year.