HC Deb 08 April 1943 vol 388 cc798-9
40. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Cuthbert Head-lam

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many town planning schemes are in existence which were sanctioned before the outbreak of the present war?

Mr. Henry Strauss

One hundred and forty-seven planning schemes now operative in England and Wales had been approved before the outbreak of the present war, and 10 more have been approved and become operative subsequently.

Sir C. Headlam

Is my hon. Friend aware that the schemes are reputed to cater for a population of approximately 300,000,000 people, and that no consideration has been given to the preservation of agricultural land? Will the Minister see that when replanning these plans, full consideration is given to the preservation of agricultural land?

Mr. Strauss

Certainly, Sir. The problem to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention is well known to my Ministry and will be borne in mind.