§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement on the consultations between his Department and local authorities in the west Midlands about the development of new towns and estates to take Birmingham overspill; and, in particular, to what extent the site of the former Royal Ordnance factory at Swynnerton has been considered.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIn the light of these consultations, I am pursuing inquiries to see what possible sites there may be for a new town, particularly in the neighbourhood of Dawley in Shropshire, as well as possible sites for schemes of town expansion, but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Minister aware of the widespread rumours in Staffordshire about the use of Swynnerton, which seem to have the effect of sterilising the site at present? Many of us want to see it developed for the purposes of industry and employment for workers in north Staffordshire. Can he say whether 809 Swynnerton is under consideration at the moment in this respect, or can he deny the rumours and allegations being made?
§ Mr. BrookeI cannot be held responsible for rumours in Staffordshire. It is much better to investigate first the areas of less good agricultural land.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs Swynnerton being considered?