HC Deb 23 July 1968 vol 769 cc248-9
17. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in view of the few land acquisitions and attenuated operations of the Midlands Division of the Land Commission, he will state what economies and operational advantages are to be achieved by amalgamating the division with the adjoining divisions with a view to abolition by 1970.

Mr. MacDermot

No operational advantages would be gained by amalgamation of the West Midlands with other regions.

The acquisition programme in the region is building up. Four draft compulsory purchase orders relating to 325 acres have now been published and the region is investigating further sites extending to over 6,000 acres.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Midlands Division is a quiescent, slumbering body grossly under-employed? In the interests of Government policy for increasing productivity at every level, notably in bureaucracy, would not amalgamation as a precursor to extinction be the proper recourse?

Mr. MacDermot

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman's description is quite inaccurate. Perhaps he would like to visit the offices some time and see for himself.

Mr. Molloy

In order to bring some sense into this discussion, will my hon. and learned Friend tell us how much land the Commission has acquired?

Mr. MacDermot

So far, 28 sites totallying over 1,100 acres have been acquired or are subject to exchange contract or draft or confirmed compulsory purchase orders.