§ 16. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to ensure that the projected housing developments in Edinburgh are being planned to preserve the dignity, beauty and amenities of Scotland's capital city.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe Corporation of Edinburgh have appointed Professor Sir Patrick Abercrombie as planning consultant and also a full-time planning officer to advise them on the planning and development of the city, including housing development. Close contact is being maintained between the planning officer and the technical officers of the Department of Health on all planning questions. The sites and layouts of all local authority housing schemes are subject to my approval.
§ Mr. WillisIs my fight hon. Friend aware that the survey necessary to give the statistical information for planning has only just been commenced, and that meanwhile the Corporation is undertaking a.large housing programme?. Will he, during the transitional period, do his best to ensure that we shall not commit the same mistakes that were made during the inter-war years?
§ Mr. WestwoodWithout hesitation I can assure the hon. Member that I will do my best to see that the mistakes of the 19th century, so far as lack of planning is concerned, are not repeated in the 20th century.
§ Mr. George WardWill my right hon. Friend concentrate his mind on a little less planning and a little more performing?
§ Sir William DarlingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the desire to press the Corporation of Edinburgh to provide sites encourages them to give lack of consideration to that proper planning which is so desirable?