§ 2. Mr. McAllisterasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps have been taken with regard to the sites for the 679,000 permanent houses and the 114,000 temporary houses already approved in order to avoid the faults, conspicuous between the wars, of suburban sprawl and central congestion.
§ Mr. SilkinAll housing sites, whether for permanent or temporary houses, are referred to the local planning authority and are examined by my regional planning officer who consults other Departments affected. By this means the major planning difficulties referred to in my hon. Friend's Question should be avoided.
§ Mr. McAllisterCould we have a little more specification in the answer? Does the Minister not agree that the number of houses referred to, involving the rehousing of so many people, is a very considerable part of the ultimate rehousing problem? Therefore, this House surely has some right to know what specific steps are being taken to remedy suburban sprawl and congestion.
§ Mr. SilkinI can asure my hon. Friend that every one of these applications is most carefully examined by my regional planning officers, and approval is not given unless they are satisfied that the housing sites are in the right place.
§ Mrs. Jean MannHave these regional planning officers any density standard to which they should adhere, and if they have, do they adhere to it?
§ Mr. SilkinThe question of density standard does not arise on the question of the approval of sites for housing. That arises later.
§ Mr. BossomIs my right hon. Friend always satisfied with the decisions of his regional planning officers?
§ Mr. SilkinI am nearly always satisfied, and when I am not, and the matter is drawn to my attention, there is no reason why the decision of a regional planning officer should not be reversed.
§ Mr. BossomHave these regional planning officers all had a thorough training in the science and art of town planning?
§ Mr. SilkinYes, Sir.