HC Deb 09 June 1964 vol 696 cc227-8
23. Mr. C. Morris

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement on the circumstances which are delaying the announcement of the location of a site for a new town to meet the housing needs of the city of Manchester.

Sir K. Joseph

I now expect to make an announcement towards the end of next week.

Mr. Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement will be welcomed by the citizens and the City of Manchester? Can he assure me that when the announcement is made he will take into account the 15 long years which the city has been waiting for it and expedite the legal processes which will bring this new town into being?

Sir K. Joseph

I am very anxious that Manchester should be enabled to get on even faster than its present accelerated pace, but I cannot promise to ignore the legal processes.

Mr. Vane

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that Manchester is not planning to put this new town on the shores of Ullswater?

Mr. M. Stewart

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that it is some months since he emphatically said that this announcement would be made very soon? Is he aware that we shall, therefore, await the end of next week with some interest?