§ 61. Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to ensure the preservation of the Daccombe Valley for agricultural purposes; and what consultations have taken place with his Department about the proposal to use this valley as a housing site.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAlthough I understand that the Torquay Borough Council have notified occupiers of land in the Daccombe Valley that members of their staff will be surveying the area with a view to its use for housing purposes, no specific proposal has been submitted to my Department. If and when the proposal to build houses in the Daccombe Valley materialises, it will be referred to my Department through the Ministry of Town and Country Planning in accordance with the normal procedure in cases of this type, and the hon. Member can rest assured that every consideration will be given to the agricultural factors involved.
§ Brigadier RaynerIs the Minister aware that Daccombe Valley is one of the most fertile of the smaller valleys of Devonshire, and, therefore, one of the most productive pieces of land in the Kingdom; and, while we agree that as we are situated today an increase of our food supplies is far more important than an increase in the amenities of Torquay, will he take a strong line?
§ Mr. WilliamsI believe that it is true that this is very good agricultural land, but I cannot prophesy what will happen when all the factors are brought to our notice.