§ 19. Mr. M. Stewartasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what use he will make of his planning powers to preserve the distinctive fundamental principles of the First Garden City, Letchworth.
§ Mr. BrookeI have already approved provisions for Letchworth in the Hertfordshire development plan which accord with the original purpose of the Garden City, as regards both the ultimate size of the town and the balance of industrial, housing and other development. I am confident that control over future development in the area will be exercised by the local planning authority with due regard to these objectives and to the special 13 character of Letchworth, and in this I propose to support the authority.
§ Mr. StewartWill the planning powers of the Minister make it possible for him to preserve the particular principle of Letchworth, which was that the profits from the undertaking should be devoted not to the shareholders but to the improvement of the Garden City? If his planning powers do not enable him to do that, will the right hon. Gentleman pay attention to the petition presented today by his hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin (Mr. Maddan) and ask the House to give him powers that would enable him to preserve that fundamental principle? Does not he agree that if, as now seems likely, the fundamental principle of Letchworth is set aside—and he allows that to happen—it will he a disgrace?
§ Mr. BrookeI regard Letchworth as a very important case. The planning powers possessed by the county planning authority and by myself are sufficient to control the use of the land. Regarding the other matter mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, it has been intimated to me that the Letchworth Urban District Council is considering the promotion of legislation, or the taking of other action to try to get a trust set up. I will certainly give careful attention to any proposal of that kind which is put before me, as I am sure will Parliament.