61. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health how many schemes under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, are at present awaiting the approval of his Department, distinguishing between schemes in respect of which a local inquiry has already been held and those in respect of which such inquiry has not yet been held; and whether he can make any statement as to his general policy in relation to town and country planning in war time?
§ Mr. ElliotThe number of planning schemes, including varying schemes, now awaiting my approval is 219. Local inquiries have been held in respect of 131 of these schemes, and have not yet been held in respect of 88. With regard to the second part of the question, I have issued a circular to local authorities with regard to town and country planning in war time and I will send the hon. Member a copy.
Mr. AdamsWould the Minister be good enough to say whether it is his intention to encourage town planning authorities to adopt decentralisation as a permanent feature?
§ Mr. ElliotWe must judge each scheme on its merits.