HC Deb 17 December 1968 vol 775 cc1141-2
24. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement about the proposed new town of Leyland/ Chorley.

Mr. K. Robinson

I hope to be able to make a statement later this week.

Mr. Davidson

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. But will he bear in mind that North-East Lancashire wants an assurance that the needs of the area, particularly concerning better communications, will be taken into consideration before any final decision is reached, so that North-East Lancashire can share in the prosperity and vitality which it is expected the new town will bring to Lancashire?

Mr. Robinson

I can assure my hon. Friend that the proposal for a new town in central Lancashire and the needs of North-East Lancashire towns have been considered in parallel by the Government.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that nothing has so far come from the Government to reassure the people of North-East Lancashire on the very real fears voiced by his hon. Friend?

Mr. Robinson

I would recommend the hon. and learned Gentleman to await the statement which I hope to make later this week.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the expenditure of £400 million in Lancashire, as against that in more prosperous parts of the country, would be very welcome to many people in Lancashire and would be recog- nised as being in accordance with the Government's regional policy?

Mr. Robinson

Although not necessarily accepting my hon. Friend's figure, I know that there is great enthusiasm for this proposal on the part of the Lancashire County Council and a number of authorities in the county.

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