§ 36. Mr. MacCollasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the proposal to build, by private enterprise, a new town at All Hallows-on-Sea, Kent; and whether, in view of the importance of assessing the needs of overspill on a national scale, he will require all applications for planning permission in this area to be referred to him.
§ Mr. SandysI am aware of this important proposal, but I think it right that 256 it should be considered in the first instance by the Kent County Council, which is the local planning authority.
§ Mr. MacCollDoes not the Minister agree that the question of overspill and new towns far transcends particular local interests, as in this case? Will not he bear in mind the feeling which will exist in London, Manchester and other places which are being held back in their need to treat overspill, that this is an attempt to leave the problem to speculative building? Will the right hon. Gentleman take the matter into his own charge?
§ Mr. SandysIn this case, the main problem is to provide houses for workers in the new oil refinery on the Isle of Grain. I am keeping in touch with the Kent County Council about this proposal. When I know its views, I will consider the wider implications of the whole project.