§ 13. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to approve the County Development Plan of Essex, with or without modification.
§ Mr. PowellMy right hon. Friend cannot yet give a date when the Essex Development Plan will be approved. A number of important matters are still under consideration, and when these are settled the preparation of the necessary maps will take several months to complete.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs my hon. Friend aware that the redevelopment of the old town of Harwich is being held up because, under the 1947 Act, the Minister cannot authorise approval for a compulsory purchase order in advance of the approval of the county plan as a whole, with or without modifications? Will he assure us that he will therefore take all steps to see that the development of what is known as No. 1 Area, Harwich, is not held up by the Government on account of any red tape?
§ Mr. PowellThere is no reason why the borough council's plans for redevelopment should be held up by the fact that the development plan as a whole has not been approved. The council has been advised that it can submit the necessary compulsory purchase order.
§ Mr. EdeWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that many other counties besides Essex are experiencing similar difficulties?
§ Mr. PowellI have just explained that the particular difficulty which my hon. Friend raised does not in fact exist—and that will probably be found to be so in the other cases.