42. Miss Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he will be able to confirm the Compulsory Purchase Order. 1958, for the High Street Development, No. 1, Wednesfield, Staffordshire.
§ Mr. BevinsMy right hon. Friend expects to give his decision on this Order very soon.
Miss LeeI am very grateful for the reply that it will be "very soon," but I hope that the hon. Gentleman appreciates the difficulty there is in these 1022 towns with very large overspill populations. Will he please consider it very soon?
§ Mr. BevinsWe certainly hope to get the decision out within the next month.
43. Miss Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will state the population of Wednesfield, Stafford shire, at the present time and two years ago; whether he is satisfied that the development of schools, shops, and other essential amenities has kept pace with the growth of population.
§ Mr. BevinsAccording to the Registrar-General's mid-year estimates, the population of Wednesfield was 28,280 in 1958 and 23,700 in 1956. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the urban district council and the county council are taking steps to ensure that the provision of schools, shops and other amenities keeps pace with the growth in population.
Miss LeeI thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that compliment to the local authorities, although that was not the point I was raising. Will he make quite sure that the efforts of the local authorities are supplemented by those of the Whitehall men and let us not have the delays that we have so far had?
§ Mr. BevinsWe shall certainly bear that in mind.