HC Deb 10 May 1965 vol 712 cc9-10
16. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what proposals he has for making more land available for building.

Mr. Willey

First we have to decide what the regional distribution of population will be and then to ensure that enough land is allocated for development in the regions. The regional organisations now established by the Government will help to ensure that this is done and the Land Commission, when it is established, will be able to ensure that the land which is allocated is indeed available for development.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the Minister amplify that and say what positive proposals he has for making more land available for housing now?

Mr. Willey

The best contribution which I can make is to speed forward the proposed legislation on the Land Commission.

Mr. Costain

Does not the Minister agree that the price of land depends on the amount available? What has any nationalisation legislation to do with that factor unless it confiscates the land?

Mr. Willey

The right hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) appreciated the need for increasing the supply of land. He failed to persuade his colleagues that this was necessary and the last Government did nothing about it. We are determined that the Land Commission will help in seeing that a greater supply of land is available.