§ 24. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will give a decision on the proposed town map for Bury St. Edmunds.
§ Mr. MacCollThese proposals raised a number of difficult issues about which the Department has been in consultation with the local planning authority. My right hon. Friend hopes, however, to be able to take a decision very soon now.
§ Mr. GriffithsWhile thanking the Minister for a helpful reply, may I urge upon him that this is matter of considerable importance in Bury St. Edmunds, because almost all the available land for industry has already been disposed of or earmarked for use, and it makes for the greatest difficulty in negotiations with industrialists seeking to go to the town that there should be these delays in the approval of the town map?
§ Mr. MacCollYes, but the problem is difficult. Bury St. Edmunds is a very attractive and beautiful town, with a long history. Its proposals are to increase its population by some 10,000 overspill. It is in everyone's interest to be quite certain that this is being done in the right way, and that takes a certain amount of discussion and thought before a final decision is reached. I do not think that it will be in anyone's interest to rush it for the sake of a quick decision.