§ 47. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Minister of Transport whether, pending the introduction of a Bill dealing with building by ribbon development, he will take some action to prevent the spread of this evil, in view of the fact that, as legislation dealing therewith was foreshadowed in the Government programme, there is likely to be an immediate and rapid extension of building until such time as the Bill is introduced?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy hon. Friend will be aware that the erection of buildings along the existing roads of the country is not a matter which comes under my control, but in approving schemes for new roads I shall do my best to discourage the unsuitable use of frontage lands.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if a builder or another individual submits plans and specifications to the local authorities, if those plans and specifications are in order, they have a very big job to turn them down?
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to make arrangements with the Minister of Health for a joint committee, so that the Minister of Health may co-operate with him, with his town planning powers, to prevent ribbon development when new roads are constructed?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am in close co-operation with him at the moment.
§ At end of Questions—
§ Sir WALDRON SMITHERSArising out of a question put to the Prime Minister the other day regarding ribbon development, would it not be possible for the Government to make some announcement which would show that the Government's legislation when it is introduced will be retrospective, in order to prevent advantage being taken of the delay due to the congestion of business by further ribbon development in anticipation of restrictions which may be in the Bill?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)It is impossible to answer that question now, but I will take the suggestion into consideration.