§ 38. Major NATHANasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the desirability of using his powers under Section 4 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, to constitute, by order, an executive regional committee for Greater London, in order that an operative master plan for the region may be prepared as soon as possible?
Sir H. YOUNGThe Greater London Regional Planning Committee has been recently reconstituted. Its functions are primarily advisory; but in certain circumstances executive, in connection with the preparation of planning schemes under powers which may be conferred upon it by any of its constituent authorities. The powers to which the hon. and gallant Member refers can be exercised by me only on request. No request for their exercise has been made. A regional committee with full executive powers could not be successfully established, except in response to a substantially unanimous demand from the local authorities.
§ Major NATHANHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to seek a request from those who consider the conferring on the regional committee of executive powers unnecessary, and, if unsuccessful, by what means does he contemplate securing an operative master plan for London?
Sir H. YOUNGOn the administrative scene the possibility of the formation of such committees is always under discussion.