15. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he will be able to announce his decision about the City of Birmingham's proposal to expand into the Borough of Solihull and Bromsgrove rural district.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThis is a most important case which raises very complex issues and concerns more than 2,400 acres of land. I would not like to promise a date for my decision, but I will certainly announce it as soon as I can.
Mr. LindsayDoes my right hon. Friend agree that large cities must not be allowed to expand all over the country, and especially in countryside designated as green belt? We confidently look to him to uphold this principle.
§ Mr. BrookeIn all courtesy to my hon. Friend, he will not tempt me into expressing any view on this difficult application until I am ready to announce a decision.