§ 3. Sir L. Ropnerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how much agricultural land has been taken over by local government authorities in the West Riding of Yorkshire for building purposes during the years 1957 and 1958.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)I regret that this information is not available. I am writing to my hon. and gallant Friend to explain why this is so.
§ Sir L. RopnerCan my hon. Friend give an assurance that close contact is maintained with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture when any proposal is made to take good agricultural land for housing purposes?
§ Mr. BevinsYes, Sir, that is certainly so as regards cases which come to my right hon. Friend. In the case of applications to local planning authorities, it can generally be taken that they have regard to agricultural considerations.