§ 32. Mr. du Cannasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that his dismissal of an appeal by Messrs. Theo. Taylor and Company of Taunton against the refusal of planning permission for industrial development at Palmerston Road and Roseberry Terrace has given rise to local dissatisfaction; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe Taunton Borough Council, according to a letter received from it, takes the decision on this appeal to imply that I am opposed to the introduction of further industry into Taunton. I am explaining to the council that my view is simply that no more land is needed for industry than is allocated for the purpose in the town map now before me.
§ Mr. du CannMay I ask my right hon. Friend two questions? First, is he aware that the land remaining for industrial development in Taunton needs to be raised at a cost of about £2,500 per acre, which virtually precludes any new industrial development in Taunton? Secondly, in view of the very great local concern almost universally felt in Taunton at this situation, will my right hon. Friend kindly look at the whole question again before a final decision is made about the Taunton development plan?
§ Mr. BrookeI am very anxious that we should get this matter right, but it certainly is not my intention that the area of land allocated for industry in the Taunton town map should be in any way reduced.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this is not a clear example of where a tax on land values would stop the landlords exploiting the community in this fashion?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, it is not.
§ Mr. StokesThe right hon. Gentleman does not understand it.