HC Deb 26 July 1949 vol 467 cc2233-5
32. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will now define the area at Mobberley on which development is likely to take place; and whether he will give an assurance that deep borings have been, or will be, carried out before any building commences in that area.

Mr. Silkin

Discussions are still in progress with a view to ensuring that as much of the development as possible shall take place on land which is of the least importance to agriculture. Until these discussions have reached a conclusion, it will not be possible to say what area is likely to be developed or what further geological tests may be necessary. On the latter point, however, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member of the assurance I gave on 28th June in answer to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Wirral (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd).

Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

As the Minister has also referred to me in a letter with regard to the new site at Mobberley on which development is likely to take place, why cannot he define its possible area and so put farmers and other people out of their anxiety? He has already told me that he has practically decided, but why has he not issued a statement?

Mr. Silkin

There is no question as to a portion of the site, but as to the remainder discussions are still going on with the Ministry of Agriculture and the local authority. Until these discussions are concluded it is not possible for me to say exactly what the site will be.

33. Sir John Barlow

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what amount of green belt it is proposed to have between the suggested new site at Mobberley and surrounding towns.

Mr. Silkin

I am of course anxious that the green belt should be as wide as possible, and this is one of the factors to be taken into account in settling the precise area to be developed. This area, however, has not yet been settled.

Sir J. Barlow

Does the Minister realise that the indecision on his part is very prejudicial to agriculture in the area, and that farmers are not farming their land properly because they do not know how long they will have the land in their possession?

Mr. Silkin

This alleged indecision is for the very reason that I am anxious to protect the interests of the farmers as much as I possibly can.

Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

Is it not true that the green belt which separates Knutsford from this proposed new town is only some 350 yards in length? Can we have a straight answer to that question?

Mr. Silkin

Until the precise area of Mobberley is settled it is not possible to say what will be the size of that strip, although I admit it is not a very large one. In fact, all the indications I have are that Knutsford and Mobberley should be dealt with as one area.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Would not the right hon. Gentleman's difficulties be overcome if he accepted the advice of the Minister of Agriculture and let the farmers get on with their jobs?

Mr. Silkin

It is not as easy as that.