HC Deb 13 December 1955 vol 547 cc985-6
23. Mr. D. Howell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the Government policy upon the need for a new town to house the homeless of Birmingham; and what immediate steps he is taking to achieve progress in the siting of such a town.

Mr. Sandys

Attention has so far been concentrated mainly on accommodating excess population from Birmingham in existing towns in the surrounding counties, but the creation of a new town in this area is certainly not excluded.

Mr. Howell

Is the Minister aware that there will be some dissatisfaction with the last part of his reply? Will he be prepared to meet Birmingham Corporation in the foreseeable future to discuss the possibility of a new town, as the other arrangements he has mentioned—even if completely satisfactory—will only scratch the surface of the problem?

Mr. Sandys

Of course I shall be very happy to consider any proposals which the City of Birmingham Corporation cares to send to me.

Mr. Woodburn

In considering this problem—which covers the United Kingdom—would the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the desirability of not building up the existing big towns any further, if that can be avoided, but rather of spreading industry to parts of the country where it is needed and where population already exists?

Forward to