HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc752-3
19. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the present position with regard to the town planning scheme affecting Dovedale and the Manifold Valley; to what extent the three authorities concerned, Peak Planning Committee, the Staffordshire County Council and the Leek Rural District Council, completed their work; and how far the proposal to transfer the responsibility for the scheme from the Leek to the Staffordshire Council has proceeded?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)

With regard to the first and second parts of the Question, while steady progress was being made by the authorities concerned in the preparation of their planning schemes for this important and beautiful area, the outbreak of war has necessarily increased the difficulties in determining the details of the proposals, and I have extended the periods within which draft schemes must be adopted. With regard to the last part of the Question, I understand that no decision has yet been reached on this matter.

Mr. Mander

Has there not been a long delay over the question of transferring the powers of the Leek Rural District Council to the Staffordshire County Council and cannot the Minister take steps to insist on a decision being come to so that the matter will not be held up?

Mr. Elliot

I have no desire to see the matter held up indefinitely but I do not think I have power to insist.