HC Deb 10 May 1962 vol 659 cc617-8
5. Mr. Abse

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs haw many houses were completed by the Cwmbran Development Corporation in the years ended March, 1960, March, 1961, and March, 1962, respectively; and, in view of the housing needs in the area, what plans he has to ensure the implementation of the forward planning of the corporation.

Dr. Hill

The corporation completed 446 dwellings in the year ended March, 1960, 451 in the following year, and 115 last year. Following the decision last June to allow the corporation to build for an increased population, plans were revised and nearly 300 houses are now being built. I expect 250 or more to be finished this year, and a larger programme is being prepared for 1963.

Mr. Abse

Is the Minister aware that those figures are bound to be received with considerable disappointment and that the diminution in numbers coming year after year in an area where there is a clamorous need for housing is a serious reflection of the disrupting efforts of the Ministry on forward planning in this area? Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to meet some of the figures he has now given in the future, and indeed to increase them?

Dr. Hill

That is a mass of generalities. This development was necessarily held up while the forward planning of the south-west and western areas of the town was being considered, with particular reference to the housing demands for Llanwern. Now that that phase is over I am anxious to see that building is stepped up, and the answer I have given is an indication of that.

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