HC Deb 18 December 1956 vol 562 c1092
44. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the concern felt by the Rugby Rural District Council and the Warwickshire County Council regarding his decision in the case of Mrs. Warren's bungalow in Princethorpe Woods; and when he will be able to receive a deputation from those two local authorities upon this matter.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. Enoch Powell)

My right hon. Friend is aware of the concern felt by the two authorities. He will arrange for a deputation to be received when he has decided another appeal from the same neighbourhood.

Mr. Johnson

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his Answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that the local councils do not think that the other cases he mentioned are at all comparable to the Warren case, which is unique? The Minister himself has disallowed the initial decision of the inquiry. Further, is the hon. Gentleman aware that the councils quite honestly believe that he is merely using these other cases as a pretext in order to fob them off?

Mr. Powell

There is no question of the local authorities being fobbed off. I have stated that my right hon. Friend will make arrangements to receive a deputation, but it would be quite wrong for there to be even an impression created that at a private interview matters involved in an appeal pending had been discussed with the Minister.