HC Deb 20 January 1944 vol 396 cc355-6
45. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Prime Minister if he will give an assurance that in exercising their privileges of exemption from control by town and country planning schemes all Government Departments will refrain from committing themselves, without due authority, to any arrangement whereby camps, buildings, including factories, and other works would pass into civic use or accommodation for private profit after the end of the war; and if he will give an undertaking that when any such arrangements have been made without approval by the planning authority they shall be deemed null and void.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The disposal of buildings of all kinds, erected by, or by arrangement with, Government Departments during the war, raises complex questions which are being carefully considered. It will clearly be necessary that considerations of planning should be given full weight, and the Ministry of Town and Country Planning will be fully consulted as to the policy to be pursued.

Sir P. Hurd

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that departmental commitments such as those of the Admiralty may seriously interfere with plans for National Parks and reserved coastal areas?

Mr. Attlee

If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind perhaps he will send me details.

Sir P. Hurd

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that I did send him details and that he thanked me for the information?