§ 40. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has received from residents in Haswell, South Hetton, Thornley and Wheatley Hill on the subject of housing needs and their objection to the proposal that they should find accommodation in Peterlee.
§ Mr. BevinsMy right hon. Friend has received representations from residents in Haswell and South Hetton that more slum replacement houses should be built in these villages, rather than in Peterlee. In reply they have been informed that a town map for the rural district is being prepared, that members of the public 1024 will have an opportunity to make representations about the proposals therein; and that therefore my right hon. Friend cannot prejudge the matter by expressing views until that has been done.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this problem is largely attributable to the fact that the Minister has refused to provide a sufficiently large allocation of housing so as to enable the Easington Council to proceed with house building? Is that not really the trouble?
§ Mr. BevinsNo. The trouble is that Easington, as a local authority, has asked for a larger allocation of slum clearance replacement houses. On the other hand, Peterlee has objected on the ground that, if that larger allocation is granted, it will place the future of Peterlee in jeopardy. That is the view of Peterlee. My right hon. Friend has asked the rural district to reconsider its attitude. The whole question will come forward when the town map is submitted to my right hon. Friend.