§ 18. Mr. Hargreavesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the building of workshop and office premises at Durranhill Industrial Estate, Carlisle, was completed in December, 1951, but approval under the Town and Country Planning Act is still awaited; and if he will end this costly delay.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his Question on 27th January. Since then I have given the council permission to acquire the land they need, and I have sanctioned a loan to cover the cost of acquisition. I cannot, under the law, give them permission to carry out the works until they own the land, but I understand that contracts have been exchanged, and the conveyance should be completed shortly.
§ Mr. HargreavesIs the Minister aware that the firm concerned in this case has had its capital tied up in this building since December, 1951; that it has been unable to use it; and that the city council are anxious to get into the premises and need his Department's permission before they can proceed with the development of the estate?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, but one problem which was worrying the firm was that of the development charge. It has now received the Central Land Board certificate that no development charge will be payable.