HC Deb 27 October 1953 vol 518 cc2601-2
22 and 23. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if, in view of his recent visits there, he is still convinced that there is no overspill problem in Scotland;

(2) what action he proposes to take on the recent emergency report of the Clyde Valley Planning Committee, which recommends immediate action to develop a new town at Cumbernauld.

Commander Galbraith

As the hon. Lady is aware, my right hon. Friend asked the Clyde Valley Planning Advisory Committee last March urgently to consider and report on the problem of Glasgow overspill. Their recent interim recommendation for a new town at Cumbernauld is now being considered by the local authorities affected. As soon as the Committee have the views of the local authorities, they will submit a further report which, I understand, will also deal with the questions of finance and procedure on which my right hon. Friend has also asked them to report.

Mrs. Mann

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's right hon. Friend intend to do anything to assist the authorities in the Clyde Valley in regard to Cumbernauld and other new towns, with particular reference to the Acts that England has, such as the new town development legislation? Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in a Parliamentary reply his right hon. Friend said that he was advised that there was no overspill problem in the Clyde Valley? Will he indicate what he intends to do with advisers who give advice so lacking in ordinary intelligence?

Commander Galbraith

The reply to which the hon. Lady refers has been taken out of its context. My right hon. Friend was referring to Scotland as a whole and not to the Clyde Valley situation. My right hon. Friend will consider what action should be taken when he receives a further report from the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend ensure that, in the event of Scotland embarking on a further new town, it will be a balanced community, that the houses built will keep pace with factory development and be tied down to it, that the layout will be designed in order to save land, and that the focus of the new town will be upon the centre of the old town so that the new is woven satisfactorily into the old?

Commander Galbraith

All these matters will receive consideration.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that where this town is to be situated is one of the worst places on a great main road and that the Ministry of Transport must be consulted about the making of a proper road between Glasgow and Stirling if the town is not to become an even worse menace than exists already on that road?

Commander Galbraith

I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will consider that.