HC Deb 04 November 1947 vol 443 c1523
38. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what new towns have so far been designated; how far development has proceeded; and whether additional designations are under consideration.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning (Mr. King)

My right hon. Friend has made designation orders for five new towns—Stevenage, Crawley, Hemel Hempstead, Harlow and Aycliffe. He has prepared a draft designation order for an area in the rural district of Easington, Co. Durham, and the statutory notice will be published in the "London Gazette" at an early date. Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield are being considered, and he is consulting local authorities concerned tomorrow. The possibility of designating other areas as the site of new towns continues to be kept under review, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement. In reply to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply relating to Stevenage given to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedford (Mr. Lennox-Boyd) on 28th October; no constructional work has yet been done at the other new towns.

Mr. Sparks

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say to what extent the Government's recent decision to restrict capital expenditure upon building construction is likely to affect the future development of the new towns?

Mr. King

Yes, Sir; some engineering construction on the new towns goes forward. The restriction is upon housing.