SIR Michael Spicer MP has demanded assurances the Government will not interfere in the expected public enquiry into plans to build a massive asylum seeker centre at Throckmorton.

The Home Office's plans for a 750-bed accommodation centre are almost certain to be thrown out by Wychavon District Council later this year.

Ministers have said that, if this happens, they will lodge an immediate appeal to the independent Planning Inspector.

In a series of Parliamentary questions, Sir Michael has asked Ministers in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - which is in charge of planning - to promise no attempt will be made to interfere in this process.

The West Worcestershire MP also wants a reassurance the planning inspector's decision will be final.

"I have asked the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, to give me his response to these two questions by Thursday," said Sir Michael.

"This will allow them to be fully discussed at the public meeting I have called on Friday at the Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre.

"It is crucial that the Government does not override normal planning considerations in its determination to build the asylum centre at Throckmorton.

"It is of course a matter of fact that comparable planning applications in the area have been turned down in the past.

"It is also a matter of fact that, since these applications were dismissed, the area has been used as a foot-and-mouth burial site."