HC Deb 11 May 1939 vol 347 cc669-71
26. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health what body is the town planning authority for the Edale district of the county of Derby; whether it has submitted and had approved a town planning scheme for the area, and, also whether the proposal to grant Messrs. Brown Bayley's Steel Works, Limited, permission to erect works there is in accordance with that scheme?

Mr. Elliot

The planning authority for the Edale district is the Chapel-en-le-Frith Rural District Council, acting as interim development authority pending the completion and approval of a planning scheme for the district. Such a scheme is, I understand, being prepared by the Peak Joint Planning Committee on which the Chapel-en-le-Frith Rural District Council is represented. This scheme has not yet been submitted for my approval.

Mr. Lipson

Do not incidents such as this, following upon other attempts at vandalism, some successful and others unsuccessful, suggest that my right hon. Friend ought to take powers to appoint an authority which will be able to recommend sites suitable for industrial purposes and sites which ought not to be used for that purpose because it would destroy the amenities of the countryside?

Mr. Elliot

That question goes far beyond the question on the Paper.

37. Mr. Marshall

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in connection with the proposal to build a steel works at Edale, the Government are offering a substantial subsidy to the firm in question; and will he, in view of the widespread protests against this threatened destruction of natural beauty, ensure that public money is not used to make it possible?

41. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a site which forms the core of the High Peak district has been provisionally chosen for the erection of a steel works, in spite of the fact that it has been scheduled as an evacuation area for children; and whether he will intervene to ensure the choice of a more suitable district for this industrial development?

44. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Edale, in the Peak district, where a Sheffield steel manufacturer proposes to build works for making steel for aeroplanes is a reception area; and what action he proposes to take to prevent the erection in such an area of a munitions factory inviting attack?

Mr. Elliot

As was indicated in the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air, our information is that the Interim Development Authority have agreed in principle to the proposed development at Edale. But he is proposing to see representatives of the firm forthwith, and, in consultation with myself, to consider whether further action is practicable with a view to the firm's securing an alternative site.

Mr. Marshall

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether State money is being offered towards the building of this factory?

Mr. Elliot

That question had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

Mr. Bossom

Does not my right hon. Friend think it is essential at this time that all town planning authorities should be instructed to respect the information given out by the Lord Privy Seal as regards evacuation?

Mr. Burke

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to a statement in the Press this morning, the site has been taken over and building has already begun?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As this question of whether there is a public subsidy is a matter of vital importance, will the Minister himself ask the Secretary of State for Air whether there is a subsidy before he sees the firm?

Mr. Elliot

Certainly, but the Secretary of State and myself will see the firm together. It is not my impression that there is any subsidy of the kind.

Sir John Haslam

Will the right hon. Gentleman point out that there are areas in Lancashire which would welcome these works just as much as Edale does not want them, and that Lancashire is the original home of steel-making?

Mr. Marshall

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer and of the urgency of the matter, I give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

50. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether Edale, in the heart of the Peak district, is already completely protected by the Town and Country Planning Act, or is under an interim development order, or is not subject to any town planning protection whatsoever?

Mr. Elliot

The Edale area is under interim development control. A resolution to prepare a planning scheme for an area including Edale has been adopted by a joint committee of the various bodies concerned, but the scheme is not yet completed.

Mr. Bossom

Can my right hon. Friend say whether more than 1 per cent. of the entire country is now completely controlled by the Town and Country Planning Act?

Mr. Elliot

I could not answer such a question without notice.

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