§ 28. Mr. Moclwyn Hughesasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what his policy is with regard to the payment of compensation and the recovery of betterment in respect of public control of the use of land?
§ The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The Government recognise the importance of these 1295 matters, which, as the hon. and learned Member will appreciate, involve questions of great complexity. They are being closely examined, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement upon them.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government recognised the immediacy and importance of this problem almost three years ago, and is it not about time the Government had a policy to deal with so fundamental a matter of post-war preparation?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe importance of the question is well recognised and is being worked out, and there will be no delay in announcing policy.
§ Mr. StokesIs not the real trouble that the Government are afraid of the land-lords?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MaxtonCan we take it that the Minister is not regarding his appointment to his present post as the final solution of the matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, I can give the hon. Member that assurance.