§ 15. Mr. Ennalsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in the current review of the South-East study, he will take particular note of the representations he has received from the Kent County Council concerning the need to expand Aylsham.
§ Mr. MellishMy right hon. Friend is giving consideration to all the proposals which the county council made in their comments on the South-East Study.
§ Mr. EnnalsI thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. Is he aware that when Aylsham was planned by Professor Abercrombie, in 1925, it was intended to be a town of between 30,000 and 40,000, but that its growth was stopped in its infancy? Is he also aware that by its location, its transport facilities and in other ways it is eminently suited as a new centre for industry and population in south-east Kent, and will he take seriously the representations made to him on a number of occasions by the Kent County Council?
§ Mr. MellishYes, Sir. I well understand the anxiety which is felt about 304 the difficulties of this area, but I cannot say anything at this stage which would anticipate the outcome of the South-East Study.
§ Mr. BostonWill my hon. Friend also confirm that he and his right hon. Friend are paying particular attention to the representations by Kent County Council and others about the Isle of Sheppey? In view of the scope for development on the Isle of Sheppey?, will he bear in mind that we on the island feel that we have a considerable part to play in the economy of what we refer to as the mainland?
§ Mr. MellishThat is a fair point and the answer is, "Yes, Sir".