§ 17. Mr. McInnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scottish local authorities in favour of the introduction of a Town Development Act in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneNone, Sir. But my right hon. Friend has suggested to Glasgow Corporation and the Clyde Valley Planning Advisory Committee that such legislation is essential to assist in solving the city's overspill problem. Discussions are proceeding with the local authorities who might be willing to take overspill; and the Committee has undertaken to furnish its views on the lines the legislation might take.
§ Mr. McInnesAs Glasgow is the only town in Scotland with an overspill problem, does the Under-Secretary consider it necessary to introduce legislation for one town? If he does consider it necessary, will he give us an assurance that subventions under the Town Development Act will not be drastically reduced or abolished, as in the case of housing subsidies?
§ Mr. BrowneThe hon. Member for Glasgow, Central (Mr. McInnes) will understand that even for Glasgow town development is not possible without legislation. Without it no grant can be made to an importing local authority for sewerage; local authorities cannot make contributions one to another and one local authority cannot act as agent for another. So legislation in some form is essential. In reply to the second part of the hon. Member's question, in the forthcoming subsidy review the special needs of overspill and transferred industrial population, like those in England, will be taken into account.
§ Mrs. MannWill the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that although Glasgow is only one local authority, it is the one exporting authority, and that the receiving authorities will require a "sweetener" in order to receive? Will he see that adequate compensation is made? No matter what the name of the Act or Bill, will he see that they are adequately compensated?
§ Mr. BrowneThat is one point which will be taken into account.