HC Deb 07 November 1950 vol 480 cc753-4
22. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what representations he has received from the Billericay Urban District Council requesting him to give an assurance that freeholders whose properties will not be required by the Basildon Development Corporation will be left secure in possession of their freeholds; and what answer he has given.

The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Dalton)

In reply to a letter from this Council on 29th March, 1950, I stated that in the early years of the new town houses would not be acquired except for the purposes of development by the Corporation.

Mr. Braine

Is the Minister not aware that until he repudiates the statement made last May by his Parliamentary Secretary that all freeholds in the new town would be taken over, doubt and uncertainty will continue to prevail? Will he give a clear assurance that freeholders whose properties are not required for development will be left secure in possession of their freeholds?

Mr. Dalton

I think the doubt and confusion are largely created by the hon. Member's propaganda in his own constituency.

25. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning why, before making a recent appointment to the Basildon Development Corporation, he did not first consult with the Billericay Urban District Council.

Mr. Dalton

I did, Sir.

Mr. Braine

That is not true, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman must not say "that is not true." The Minister may be mistaken.

Mr. Braine

Under your direction, Mr. Speaker, I withdraw. May I put it this way: the answer is a travesty of the truth? Is the Minister not aware that 27,000 people already live in the area of the new town and are affected directly by the decisions of the Development Corporation? Would it not, therefore, have been more democratic for the Minister to have consulted the elected representatives of the people before appointing a Socialist stockbroker?

Mr. Dalton

I have consulted nine local authorities, of whom the Billericay Urban District Council was one. In view of the statement which the hon. Member made and had to withdraw, I would point out that the letter in which I consulted the Corporation was dated 22nd September. I invited their observations; they were the only authority to raise any objection. They admitted that they knew nothing of the gentleman I proposed to appoint, and I have appointed him. When I visited the new town, I found that there was a charming lady, who I believe is none the less a Tory and who is a member of the Billericay Urban District Council, and I am sure that she will look after the hon. Member's constituents very well.

Mr. Braine

Arising out of that reply, is the Minister not aware that the Billericay Urban District Council was not consulted until after the appointment was made and that the local authority unanimously rejected the suggestion?