HC Deb 19 July 1955 vol 544 cc197-8
36. Mr. Ainsley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the anxiety on the Durham County Council at his refusal to consider a nomination from the County Planning Committee for membership to either Newton Aycliffe or Peterlee New Town Corporations; and if he will give consideration to selecting a member from the committee as vacancies arise on the corporations, as a link between the corporations and the county council.

Mr. Sandys

In deciding the composition of new town corporations, I am naturally happy to receive suggestions from any responsible quarter. I cannot, however, accept the principle that a local authority has a right to insist upon the appointment of one of its members.

Mr. Ainsley

Is the Minister aware that at the inception of these new town corporations in Durham the county council was approached and asked for nominations? Is he aware that it would be to the advantage of the county and the new towns for there to be liaison in the allocation of projects between the new towns and the rest of the county?

Mr. Sandys

I think I am following the principles adopted by my predecessors, including my predecessors in the Labour Government, in this matter.

Mr. Shinwell

As Peterlee is in my constituency, may I have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that before he takes any action on the lines indicated he will consult the Easington Rural District Council, in whose area the town of Peterlee is situated, because the council has prior right to be consulted?

Mr. Sandys

Consultation is quite another matter from accepting nominations from councils to include one of their members on the corporation. The Act provides that certain consultations are required with the local authorities concerned, and, naturally, I conform to my statutory obligations.