HC Deb 25 July 1950 vol 478 cc217-9
4. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will grant a public inquiry into the siting of the new Caltex oil re- finery in the neighbourhood of Southampton Water, in view of the widespread alarm that has attended the leaking out of the news of this project.

9. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the objections raised by the Hampshire County Planning Committee, as well as by local authorities and local residents, to the scheme for the establishment of an oil refinery in the neighbourhood of either Hook Park or of Bromwich on the Solent Coast, he will now refuse permission for this scheme to be further proceeded with.

Mr. Dalton

His Majesty's Government have approved the proposal to erect an oil refinery somewhere on the eastern side of Southampton Water. No decision has yet been taken about the exact site or about a public inquiry.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the negotiations that have hitherto taken place have been conducted in entire secrecy, and that the local authority concerned has actually been bound to secrecy under an oath under which they may still be held? Would not a public inquiry be the only way to offer a belated outlet to the feelings which exist?

Mr. Dalton

I would not commit myself to a public inquiry, for reasons at which the hon. and gallant Member has himself hinted. If a request has been made that a matter should be kept secret, it is probable that some national interest of importance is involved, and must be respected. But, under the Act of 1947, I am required to give either an applicant or the planning authority, if they wish to be heard, an opportunity of developing their case, not necessarily at a public inquiry.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Does the Minister set no value on the report of the local County Planning Committee? If he does not set any value upon it, what is the use of having these county committees? Is he aware of the very strong feeling not only on the Committee, but among local inhabitants and local authorities, against this scheme, which will do damage to agriculture as well as amenities in that part of the county?

Mr. Dalton

Of course, I attach importance to the report and views of the planning authority—in this case the Hampshire County Council. As I have already stated in reply to a previous Question, if the County Council desires, it will be my duty, and I will gladly perform it, to give them the opportunity to develop their case to me or to a person appointed by me; but it is not always the case that the local planning authority sees the whole picture, particularly when large national and strategic interests are concerned.

Mr. Ralph Morley

Will my right hon. Friend use his influence to press on with this project as rapidly as possible, in order that full employment in Southampton may be maintained?

Mr. Dalton

It is, of course, a very important project for many reasons, not least from the point of view of oil supplies.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

How can the Minister reconcile his statement that a decision has been already reached by the Government to place the refinery on Southampton Water, with suggestions that he will now give consideration to objections by Hampshire County Council?

Mr. Dalton

I said it is going somewhere on the eastern side, but it is yet open to argument exactly where.