§ 22. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now give the Government's policy in relation to town and country planning and, in particular, to the development charges.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanIf I may venture on the phrase without impropriety, I would ask my hon. Friend to "wait and see."
§ Mr. GrimondIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that phrase is a promise of action? Can he give us some indication that action is to be taken as foreshadowed by his party at the Election? Because in the meantime the continuance of these development charges is hindering housing, and, in particular, hindering the housing of the poorer people of the community who cannot pay these charges?
§ Mr. MacmillanI hope action will be taken, but that involves legislation, and there is not, I fear, any hope of legislation this Session.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if anybody has benefited from these development charges it is the local authorities that are building the houses and have been able to get the land and other facilities at far less cost than ever before?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, but I do observe that of the letters I receive on this subject half, if not more than half, come from hon. Gentlemen opposite.