§ 4. Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many dwellings were completed in English new towns and how many jobs were created in new factories there in the years 1965 to 1968.
§ The Minister for Planning and Land (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)A total of 22,100 dwellings were completed on land made available by development corporations and the Commission for the New Towns. There was a net increase of 22,600 jobs in factories on such land and on the Aycliffe industrial estate.
§ Mr. WhitakerWill my right hon. Friend consider consulting the G.L.C. on a plan for a comprehensive new town in the obsolete dock areas of London, which probably gives the biggest planning opportunity 1242 for London to rebuild itself that has ever occurred?
§ Mr. RobinsonI do not think new town designation would be the right solution. I am aware of the splendid opportunity for comprehensive and imaginative redevelopment that the closure of these docks presents, and I am sure that the Greater London Council will take full advantage of this unique opportunity.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 100,000 people on the waiting list for places in the Greater London Council's new towns? What further steps will he take to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Department of Employment and Productivity to make sure that people have jobs to go to at the same time as the homes become available?
§ Mr. RobinsonThere is a substantial degree of co-ordination. I am not aware that the system is not working. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular complaint to make, I shall be very glad to look into it.