HC Deb 07 July 1966 vol 731 cc657-9
23. Mr. James Johnson

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will now begin detailed studies of the Humberside area with the object of designating a new town.

24. Mr. Wall

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on the development of the Humberside Region.

Mr. George Brown

I apologise for the length of this reply. The review of long-term population trends dealt with in the National Plan is not yet completed, but it is clear that some part of the expected population increase will need to be accommodated in new centres, which for reasons of economic and physical planning must be large. The Government are, therefore, putting in hand a detailed study of the Humberside area, which will be undertaken by a new central planning unit within D.E.A. but drawing also on the resources of other departments.

Subject to the outcome of that study, the aim is to enable development to proceed as rapidly as possible. Severn-side and the Dundee area are other areas already identified for early study. In the continuing work, full account will be taken of the views of the Regional Economic Planning Councils, which will also be consulted on the detailed studies of particular areas.

Mr. Johnson

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that long and significant statement, which will certainly please the people on Humberside, may I emphasise to him the urgency of the matter and the need to get the correct decision on this issue, particularly regarding the building of a bridge over the Humber? Would he not agree that this is the most significant thing on Humberside and that it is vital for the optimum development of the area?

Mr. Brown

It is also important and urgent that we should have the study made, take all considerations into account and get to the point of making a decision. That I accept.

Mr. Wall

While welcoming receipt of the first positive Answer from the right hon. Gentleman today, may I ask him if he does not agree that his statement makes the Humber Bridge an absolute essential? Would he not also agree that it means that reconsideration of the route of the east-west communication, as advocated by the local authorities, is also essential?

Mr. Brown

It is important that the views of hon. Members should be on the record, but I do not think that I should comment further than I did in my Answer.

Mr. George Jeger

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the consideration which has been given to the formation of a new centre on Humberside is welcomed, but is that disregarding entirely the possible expansion of existing smaller centres, such as the one I represent on Humberside, which need as great an expansion of transport to make them viable?

Mr. Brown

If my hon. Friend tables a Question on that subject I will look into it. If one is to provide for this expansion in a relevant and intelligent way, one must take into account the physical as well as the economic requirements. One is, therefore, forced to the conclusion that this must take place in new, large centres.

Mr. Tapsell

In view of the emphatic assurances we were given by the Minister of Transport about the Humber Bridge at the time of the Hull, North by-election, how is it that this has now become so vague?

Mr. Brown

Whatever else might be said about my Answer, it cannot be said that it was vague. The Question does not deal with the Humber Bridge. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman wishes to table a Question on that subject.

Mr. McNamara

Is my right hon. Friend aware of how much we welcomed that statement about the Humber Bridge at the time of the Hull, North by-election? What discussions does my right hon. Friend propose to have with the local authorities in the area and when does he expect that we will receive the feasibility report?

Mr. Brown

Let us first get the thing under way, which is what we are now doing. I assure my hon. Friend that the fullest consultations will take place, not only with the regional but also with the local bodies.