asked the Minister of Health if local authorities have power to issue licences for new buildings before plans have been submitted to and approved by the appropriate interim development authority.

Yes, Sir. But this does not absolve the applicant from the necessity of seeking and obtaining planning consent.

Surely my right hon. Friend must be aware that it is impossible to assess the value of a house unless the plans are settled? How can a local authority grant a licence until all details about the development of the property have been settled?

I quite agree, and that is the reason why I should have thought it was necessary to get the consent of the planning authority first.