Town and Country Planning

HC Deb 13 July 1954 vol 530 c275

27. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will set up a National Advisory Council on town and country planning.

Mr. Marples

My right hon. Friend does not see any need for such a body.

Mr. Sparks

Can the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House whether the Minister has decided to abolish the regional planning organisations? If he has so decided, is it not more than ever necessary, in view of the fact that there is already a Central Housing Advisory Committee which is rendering a useful service to his Department that he ought to have an advisory body for dealing with planning? Will the Minister reconsider the matter?

Mr. Marples

Planning is not the same as housing—it is less standardised—and my right hon. Friend has made no decision as yet regarding the regions. He thinks that there is no point in appointing a committee unless there is a useful purpose for it to serve.