§ 11. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the increasing numbers of people who are living in the new towns but working elsewhere; and, as this tendency is contrary to one of the objectives of making such towns self-contained and is leading to the establishment of a fresh pattern of wasteful travelling between home and work, if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinsIt is to be expected that as the new towns grow in size an increasing number of the people living in them will work elsewhere. They also provide employment for an increasing number of people who live in neighbouring areas. I do not think the situation should be considered alarming.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, although it may be difficult, it is nevertheless desirable that some housing priority should be given to the workers in these towns, otherwise ultimately one of the best objectives of the whole scheme will be lost?
§ Mr. BevinsIt is the general rule that the new town corporations offer accommodation to people who intend to work in the new towns, but, of course, we cannot prevent people from changing their jobs, nor can we evict them if they are already living in a new town.