Sites (Hansard, 27 January 1953)

§ 1. Mr. Swingler
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the shortage of housing sites in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the danger that this may jeopardise the progress of the housing programme; and if he will take urgent action to assist the local authority in this matter.

§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)
I am aware of the difficulties and have written to the hon. Member explaining the steps being taken to resolve them. My regional officers are meeting the council, and the county council on 4th February.

§ Mr. Swingler
While thanking the Minister for the action taken, may I ask him to watch the position very closely? Is he aware that between the natural objections of the farming community and the dangers of mining subsidence, the Newcastle Council is in a very tight position with regard to land and requires the assistance of his Ministry to find a way out?

§ 11. Mr. Swingler
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have made representations to him to the effect that their housebuilding programmes are jeopardised by the actual or prospective shortage of suitable sites; and what action he is taking.

§ Mr. H. Macmillan
A detailed record is not readily available. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of two circulars sent to all local authorities during 1952.

§ Mr. Swingler
Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities are confronted with this position? Has not the time come for a general survey into the land position, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has advised local authorities to look five years ahead in the planning of their sites, although very many of them are unable to do so?

§ Mr. Macmillan
I will put it this way: As a result of the work done in the past, and now, there is no difficulty, as I see it, in providing adequate sites for an expanding national housing programme for the country as a whole, but there are very considerable difficulties in special localities. That is really the problem, rather than a general problem which I am convinced can be dealt with, if we take the whole national demand.