§ 2. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is now able to make a further statement with regard to the proposed new town at Congleton.
§ Mr. SilkinNo, Sir. Investigations are still in progress to determine the suitability of the area, both from the point of view of geology and water supply. A further statement will be made when these investigations have been completed, but it is now clear that they must take some time.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the cuts announced by the Prime Minister yesterday will have any bearing on the 1126 construction of die new towns, and will he give some indication of what the tests have so far borne out?
§ Mr. SilkinIn reply to the first point, "No." The new towns are proceeding, subject, of course, to the general reduction in the number of houses. On the second point, there is no evidence of salt so far as we have gone, but we want to make further borings.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the comprehensive plan for the North Staffordshire area has been published and, if that has any bearing on Congleton, will he bear it in mind?
§ Mr. SilkinCertainly.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesWill my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the rural authorities, such as Biddulph and others in the district, before any definite agreements are made on this point?
§ Mr. SilkinBefore any definite steps are taken, I am bound by statute to consult the local authorities who appear to be concerned.
§ Mr. DaviesMy information is that some of them are dissatisfied.