HC Deb 18 April 1950 vol 474 cc7-9
11 and 12. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning (1) whether he will use his powers to permit persons whose freehold land and property are acquired by new town develop- ment corporations to be given an equivalent freehold plot in exchange and compensation sufficient to replace their property:

(2) if, in view of the declared policy of ultimately taking over all freeholds in the area designated for the new town of Basildon and the dissatisfaction which this is causing, he will leave in possession of their freehold rights all freeholders whose land and buildings will remain unaffected by the development of that town.

Mr. Dalton

I have already reaffirmed my predecessor's promise not to acquire property at Basildon before it is needed for actual development, but, where acquisition takes place, I cannot undertake to provide an equivalent freehold plot in exchange.

Mr. Braine

Is the Minister aware that the chairman of the development corporation has stated categorically that the policy of the Government is ultimately to take over all freeholds in the area? Is he also aware that the population of 17,500 makes is unique among new towns and that most of them are freeholders, and these people object? They consider there is no moral justification for having—

Mr. Speaker

Supplementary questions are not the occasion for speeches.

Mr. Braine

Will the Minister, therefore, consider using his special powers under the Act to safeguard freehold rights in the area designated?

Mr. Dalton

I think the freehold rights are completely safeguarded until the time comes for actual development by the undertaking to which I have referred. This area, I must assure the hon. Member, is more in need of decent planning, clean-Mg up and bringing up to date than any other area to which we are bringing a new town.

Mr. Geoffrey Hutchinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is being most unjust to owner-occupiers under this provision?

Mr. Dalton

I do not think so.

Mr. Braine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is no more satisfaction to a man to be told he will be robbed in 10 years than to be told he will be robbed tomorrow? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again.