§ 28. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposal to build a new town on the Erith Marshes, as mentioned in Command Paper No. 1952; and, in view of the concern this has caused to people now living in the area, if he will give an assurance that demolition will be kept to a minimum, and that those disturbed will receive suitable alternative accommodation or adequate compensation.
§ Sir K. JosephI understand that the London County Council is examining 207 the plan it originally published. When it has decided what it wants, an application for planning permission will be made to the Kent County Council. Should the scheme involve compulsory purchase, the necessary Order would have to be submitted to me for confirmation, and all affected owners would have the right to object.
I appreciate the anxiety felt by those whose houses look like being affected by the published scheme; and I can certainly assure the hon. Member that both the London County Council and I would want to keep any demolition to a minimum, and that in so far as demolition does take place alternative accommodation for tenants or fair compensation for owner-occupiers will be provided.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am grateful for what he has done already, although there is still a long way to go before he tackles the job adequately? Does not he, with every other authority, appreciate that over 700 homes are threatened with demolition in order to provide open spaces for the new town, and that there is a lot of distress? Will it please him to know that the representations so far have worked, up to a point, since it is expected today that an announcement will be made that over 400 previously included will be left alone? But a lot must be done to see that justice is done to all the families concerned.
§ Sir K. JosephI know that the hon. Gentleman realises that this scheme is only at the draft stage and is not by any means final yet.
§ 29. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the difficulties in disposing of their properties being met by people in the vicinity of the proposed new town on Erith Marshes, when they are required to move to other parts of the country in connection with their employment; and if he will expedite his decision as to the specific properties that will need to be demolished.
§ Sir K. JosephNo case of difficulty has been brought to my notice. Any such case should be referred to the London County Council which, I am sure, would be ready to consider it sympa- 208 thetically. There are no proposals yet before me.