HC Deb 20 February 1968 vol 759 cc219-20
11. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why it is his policy to grant assistance to local authorities when new towns are developed or where overspill is planned, but not when private development has taken place or is planned.

Mr. MacColl

Financial assistance to local authorities under the New Towns and Town Development Acts must be devoted to planned development and cannot be used to promote the natural growth of towns through private development. Within new towns and town development schemes there is of course an assured place for private development.

Mr. Ridsdale

Can help be given to local authorities, particularly where private developers are prepared to pay half the cost of such planned development, as in the case of Frinton and Walton?

Mr. MacColl

The difficulty is that it would be hard to distinguish Frinton and Walton from other expanding towns which are also enlisting the aid of private developers. I do not think that there is a case for giving special treatment.