§ 20. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the future management of new towns in Scotland after they have obtained borough status.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonBurgh status does not affect the functions of a development corporation which, as at East Kilbride, retains the duty of developing the new town to its planned size. It is important, however, that at all stages in the life of a new town the development corporation and all interested local authorities should work closely together.
§ Sir J, GilmourHave the Government any plans for the eventual handing over of these: new towns so that they are removed from the development corporations?
§ Mr. William HamiltonWill my hon. Friend give an assurance that the terms of the New Towns Act, 1946, will be fully implemented and that we shall get full democratic control of these new towns by elecied authorities at the appropriate time?
§ Dr. MabonIn principle that is the policy of the Government, but there is a transitional stage during which we shall have to sort out how that position is to be reached.