§ 26. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he has considered the report on the proposed new town at Dawley; and if he will now make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponMy right hon. Friend expects to make a statement shortly.
§ Mr. V. YatesWe have heard that reply for a long time. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor agreed to the principle of a new town almost a year ago? Two months after refusing Birmingham the right to build on land at Wythall, we are still without any prospect or any hope. We need 77,000 houses to meet the problem. How long must we wait for the Minister to do something about this matter?
§ Mr. RipponI fully appreciate that this is a very urgent matter. I assure the hon. Gentleman that he will not hear this Answer very often again. We expect a decision before very long.
§ Mr. W. YatesI hope my hon. Friend is telling the truth about this. Is it true 1193 that no announcement will be made until the Government have had time to review the planning of local authority areas, which will not take place until next October? Is my hon. Friend aware that this delay is quite intolerable and deplorable and very unfair on the local authorities in the area? Will he, therefore, give the House an assurance that the Minister will make a statement before the Whitsun Recess?
§ Mr. RipponAll I can say is that my right hon. Friend will make a statement very soon.