HC Deb 06 July 1948 vol 453 cc191-2
25. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will reconsider his decision regarding the acquisition and development of the north-eastern industrial area at Hurdsfield, Macclesfield, in order that the local authorities can go ahead with the preliminary work of sewage and road-making which would encourage new industries to settle in Macclesfield.

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

As I explained to the hon. and gallant Gentleman when I wrote to him in February, there is not sufficient evidence of immediate need for the use of this land for industrial purposes to justify my right hon. Friend in approving this proposal at the present time.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does the Minister realise that in Macclesfield the people are almost entirely dependent on one industry, namely, silk, and as one firm is anxious to acquire a site in the industrial area, will he reconsider this matter and take the long-term view in the interests of the borough which is on the edge of the development area?

Mr. King

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that in the long-term view we are sympathetic to that point of view, but in the short-term we have to have regard to Government policy on the restriction of capital expenditure

Air-Commodore Harvey

What does the hon. Gentleman call the short-term view? How long will it be before he will reconsider it?

Mr. King

Unless there is a prospect of immediate development, we cannot go forward.