HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 cc1108-9
8. Mr. Barnes

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement about the number and nature of the objections which he has received to the road proposals in the Greater London Development Plan.

Mr. Skeffington

As the House was informed on 10th December, some 20,000 objections to the Greater London Development Plan have been received. A large number of the objections relate to the triple-ringway road system.

Mr. Barnes

Can my hon. Friend say more about the way the inquiry announced by the Minister will hear objections into the road proposals? To what extent will the inquiry concern itself with the detailed routeing of the ringways through particular areas as opposed to the general concept?

Mr. Skeffington

My right hon. Friend announced a special form of inquiry with an independent chairman, independent members and an independent panel of assessors, together with other expert opinion. All matters concerning the road routing will have to be closely inquired into. The subject matter of my hon. Friend's supplementary question will obviously be covered in considerable detail.

11. Mr. Moyle

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to hold a public inquiry into the Greater London Council's motorway proposals, including Ringways 1 and 2; and whether he intends to give approval to any of these plans in advance of this public inquiry.

Mr. Skeffington

The Greater London Council primary road proposals, including Ringways 1 and 2, will come within the scope of the public inquiry into the Greater London Development Plan. This is unlikely to begin before July of next year. Decisions on roads will be taken only on schemes which are necessary, are viable on their own, and are independent of other proposals in the plan.

Mr. Moyle

Will my hon. Friend take note of the fact that many of the organisations which will be objecting particularly to the motorway proposals in the Greater London development plan are amateur part-time organisations? Will he, therefore, ensure that the maximum amount of time is given to them to prepare their objections and submit them to the inquiry?

Mr. Skeffington

Yes, Sir. That is why my right hon. Friend did not think that it would be possible to have the inquiry before July next year.