HC Deb 29 June 1965 vol 715 cc283-4
9. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement detailing his proposals for the development of Warrington-Risley.

Mr. Crossman

Since I made a statement to the House on 24th February, preliminary discussions have taken place with Lancashire County Council and Warrington County Borough Council. I hope very soon, with the agreement of the local planning authorities concerned, to appoint consultants to carry out a detailed study leading to proposals for the designation of a suitable area under the New Towns Act, and for the consequent planning to the whole Warrington area.

Mr. Williams

Has my right hon. Friend any idea how long these discussions will go on? Will he give consideration to discussions not only with Warrington and Lancashire, but also with the rural district and abutting urban district councils?

Mr. Crossman

Certainly. District councils will, of course, be consulted. At present, we are making the main consultation that with Warrington because, as my hon. and learned Friend knows, this is a proposal for a doubling of the county borough and a new town where the county borough is deeply concerned. We are also consulting the county, since some of the area of the new town is outside the area of the county borough. In due course, when we have to consider the designation of sites, we shall consult all the local authorities concerned.