§ 46. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the immediate introduction of the Bill for the control of building development along the main thoroughfares of the country, referred to in His Majesty's Gracious Speech, in view of the urgency of the matter, and having regard to the fact that such a Bill would be for the most part uncontroversial and would have the assistance of all parties in being put rapidly on the Statute Book?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The subject of my hon. Friend's question has not been overlooked, but I can at present only refer him to the statement on this subject in the King's Speech on the Opening of Parliament.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that the statement in the King's Speech has increased the speed with which this evil is continuing, and has his attention been drawn to a resolution passed by the County Councils Asociation greatly regretting the hesitation of the Government in dealing with this matter of ribbon development, which is a national evil?
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSCould the Government not introduce a short Measure and give powers to local authorities to prevent this sort of development?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is a question which the Government have considered very carefully and very anxiously, but I am sure my hon. Friends will agree that it is a question which presents some very intricate problems and that it is no use rushing legislation which is not going to have effect. One of the reasons why the Government took private Members' time was to enable the Government to implement the pledges given in the King's Speech, and this was only a conditional pledge. Personally, I would be glad if this was one of the very first things that we did.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that the annoyance of private Members in having their time taken would be ameliorated if this Bill were put forward early?
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that this question has been before successive Governments since 1919?