HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 cc1089-90
7. Mr. Orme

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress is being made with the development of Runcorn New Town.

Mr, Denis Howell

Up to the end of last month, the Development Corporation had completed 725 houses. It has 2,315 houses under construction, of which 1,920 have been started this year. Over 500,000 sq. ft. of industrial development has been completed, and 430,000 sq. ft. are under construction. Very good progress is being made with the development of the town centre, main road system and other facilities.

Mr. Orme

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is welcome information Those of us in the North-West, both in the Liverpool conurbation and the South-East Lancashire conurbation, are anxious that both these new towns at Warrington and Runcorn should proceed very fast? Will he give an assurance that the Government's policy is to speed these new towns as quickly as possible?

Mr. Howell

I can give that assurance. I am happy to agree with what my hon. Friend has said. We believe that Runcorn has done remarkably well and that, in the congested parts of Merseyside and Manchester, the contribution of new towns is of immense importance and must go forward as fast as we can press on.

Mr. Carlisle

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that, both in the number of houses built and the amount of industrial development in Runcorn, progress has been extremely good there and is a credit both to the board and to the staff of the Development Corporation

Mr. Howell

Indeed, I agree. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for stating that. I am happy to pay tribute to the remarkable efficiency at Runcorn.