HC Deb 25 July 1967 vol 751 cc295-6
6. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the difficulties confronting the London Borough of Newham in developing the Welfare Road, Stratford, E.15, Scheme due to the expenses involved; and, as the proposals outlined in Circular No. 36/37 will not prove of assistance to the council, what action he proposes to take to enable the council to progress with this Scheme and overcome the financial difficulties involved.

Mr. Mellish

Officers of the Department and those of the council have met to discuss several of the council's schemes, and I understand that the council will be looking at the Welfare Road Scheme again: my right hon. Friend will be glad to look at revised proposals and to give any further help and advice which may be needed.

Mr. Lewis

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he be as helpful and as generous as he can to the Newham authority and act as he and the Minister have acted over the years up to the last two or three months, during which they have not been quite so helpful?

Mr. Mellish

The Newham authority is an excellent and progressive authority. If we can help we will. But the scheme is in the sketch layout stage. I hope there will be no delay, and both my right hon. Friend and I will do all we can to help.