HC Deb 19 November 1963 vol 684 c790
18. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs the reasons which led to his decision to propose the name of Bromley for Borough No. 19.

Sir K. Joseph

In the absence of local agreement, it appeared to me that the best name for this London borough would be that of its main shopping, commercial and administrative centre.

Mr. Lubbock

Is this not a very misleading Answer that the Minister has given? Is he not well aware that the view of the vast majority of inhabitants in Borough No. 19 was that the name Ravensbourne should have been selected? Does he think that he has made a case for rejecting these views which have been expressed to him by every local authority in the area except Bromley?

Sir K. Joseph

Except Bromley and part of Chislehurst and Sidcup. Inthis invidious business about names, I am trying to use the objective factors of where the main centre of administration, shopping and use is situated, and that is what led me to the name Bromley in this case.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Is my right hon. Friend aware that by no means all the inhabitants of Orpington would want him to change his decision and that many are very happy with the name Bromley for the new borough?

Sir K. Joseph indicated assent.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Paul Williams. Question No. 19.

Mr. Lubbock

By the nod which the Minister gave in answer to that last supplementary question—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I called Mr. Paul Williams.