§ 1. Mr. Arthur Pearsonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate what is his policy regarding the development of a new town at Llantrisant now that the Buchanan Report has been published.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. George Thomas)As my hon. Friend the Minister of State said in the House on 22nd April, the Report will need most careful study before any decisions are reached, and there will have to be consultations with all the local authorities and other interests concerned.—[Vol. 782, c. 397–421.]
§ Mr. PearsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that Llantrisant is a growth area which is developing apace without any master plan, and that this is causing some anxiety? Therefore, is it not important to give full weight to paragraph 116 of the Buchanan Report so that the new town may proceed as rapidly as possible in the circumstances?
§ Mr. ThomasI shall give consideration to all relevant issues.
§ Mr. GowerIn view of the fears which have been expressed in Cardiff, Newport, Barry and elsewhere that the development of the new town may accelerate the loss of industry to the Welsh development area, will the Minister give an assurance that that aspect of the matter will also be considered?
§ Mr. ThomasIt is one of the important aspects to consider. I should like to make it clear that I see no advantage in damaging in any way the old-established communities which we have around us.