HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 cc1566-7

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

34. Mr. LINDGREN

To ask the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will state the qualifications of the two new members he proposes to appoint to the Halifax New Town Development Corporation; the source from which the recommendation to appoint was made; and whether the local authorities in the area were consulted prior to his announcement of the names of the persons he proposed to appoint.

Mr. Lindgren

On a point of order. May I point out that the word "Halifax" in the second line of the Question, should read Hatfield?

Mr. Sandys

It would have been helpful if the hon. Member had told me that, but it is not the only inaccuracy in the Question.

The answer to the first two parts of the Question are in the negative. Since I have not yet announced any names, the third part of the Question does not arise.

Mr. Lindgren

Is it not a fact that two names have been circulated to the local authorities in the area of persons whom the Minister proposes to appoint, and that the New Towns Act requires the Minister to consult the local authorities prior to making appointments under that Act?

Mr. Sandys

That is just what is happening, and what the hon. Member has described.

Mr. Lindgren

Surely, the Minister will agree that the local authorities should have a right to submit to him nominations for these appointments; but, in fact, the right hon. Gentleman has given them what is almost a decision, or the names of the people whom he proposes to appoint?

Mr. Sandys

Not at all; they have been consulted about these two persons, and that is my duty under the Act.