asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the form which the public inquiry into the Greater London Development Plan will take.

Precise arrangements for the public inquiry cannot be settled until I have been able to assess the nature and volume of the objections to the Plan. But my hon. Friend can be sure that the fullest opportunity will be given for reviewing the policies and proposals in this important Development Plan.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing scepticism as to whether the money will ever be available for the G.L.C.'s grandiose road schemes and of the increasing Opposition there is to these schemes in the areas affected? Can he give an assurance that these road plans will be examined by an independent commission like the Roskill Commission which is at present considering the question of London's third airport?

I repeat that the exact nature of the inquiry must depend upon the extent and nature of the objections that I get to the plan. I think that that is the right policy to adopt at this stage. I appreciate what my hon. Friend says about the scepticism that is felt about it. I must not prejudge the issue upon that. I can give my hon. Friend a full assurance that the economic, the social, and all other aspects will come within the scope of any inquiry.