HC Deb 24 May 1960 vol 624 cc199-200
26. Mr. Robinson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will now announce his decision with regard to the development of the Café Monico site.

Mr. H. Brooke

My decision was announced on 19th May.

Mr. Robinson

May I take this opportunity of congratulating the right hon. Gentleman on a wise and courageous decision taken firmly in the public interest? May I also congratulate his inspector on an exceptionally lucid and imaginative report? May we now take it that the Minister and his Department will give every assistance to the London County Council in drawing up a comprehensive development plan for this area?

Mr. Brooke

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he said about my inspector and myself. Planning control often makes people angry, but if it did not exist I think things would happen both in town and country which might make them angrier still. It is certainly my desire to collaborate as effectively as possible with the London County Council in securing the drawing up of a comprehensive development plan which I hope will give general satisfaction.