Whether it is satisfied with procedures used in the public inquiry system for windfarm applications.

The procedures currentlyused in the public local inquiry system are set out in the Town and Country (InquiryProcedure) Rules 1997, amended 1998. It is vitally important that Reporters fromthe Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals obtain the material necessaryto make an informed and reasoned recommendation or decision on a development proposal.In doing so, they must always act in accordance with the principles of fairness,openness and impartiality established by the Franks Committee in its 1957 Report(Administrative Tribunals and Inquiries). Scottish ministers are satisfied withthe procedures used in these cases and are of the view that they are sufficientlyrobust to allow this.