§ 29. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reply he has given to the representations made to him by the National Farmers' Union about loss of agricultural land resulting from the development of the new Milton Keynes town in Buckinghamshire at the low overall density of 11.4 persons per acre; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. PearlI have not received any representations from the National Farmers' Union on this matter, though I am, of course, aware of the strong feelings expressed on behalf of farmers on the loss of agricultural land at Milton Keynes. As to the overall density of the new town, there is nothing that I can usefully add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 7th February by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.—[Vol. 740, cc. 263–4.]
§ Mr. HallIn view of the estimated growth in population over the next 30 years or so, and the need to reduce to the minimum the loss of productive agricultural land, would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that he ought to look again at the planned density for Milton Keynes, and other new towns? Will it not be necessary to increase the density considerably if we are not to lose a great deal more production land?
§ Mr. PeartI will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member has said. I agree that we must be very careful about development in respect of good agricultural land. Our aim is to see that development takes place on land which is not so good. I will look at this.
§ Mr. StodartCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that when cases of this kind arise, his views are always sought and that he makes those views known with considerable vigour?