§ 12. Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what returns have so far been received by his Department in reply to Circular 50/66 on town centre renewal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollAt 31st January, 255 local authorities had submitted proposals relating to 432 town centre redevelopment schemes. 89 are known to be on the point of submitting returns involving a further 166 schemes.
It will take some time to draw up a programme for loan sanctions. Meanwhile, as I informed the hon. Member for Poole (Mr. Murton) on 12th December, 1966, a number of proposals have been accepted as commitments.—[Vol. 739, c. 37.]
§ Mr. MorrisMay I assure my hon. Friend that considerable urgency is attached to this matter? Can he assure me that his Department will take very quick action as soon as the inquiry is completed?
§ Mr. MacCollAs I have said, the urgency is being met by the existing commitment, which will keep us occupied. I quite agree, however, that we want to get a decision on this matter as soon as we can.