HC Deb 14 October 1969 vol 788 cc195-6
22. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made regarding holding the public inquiry into the Redbridge Council's proposals for the Town Centre Redevelopment Scheme.

Mr. Skeffington

My right hon. Friend is desirous of arranging the inquiry as soon as possible, but must await a submission from the G.L.C. with possible amendments to the proposals before him.

Mr. Shaw

Does not my hon. Friend appreciate the anxieties of people who have been living in this blighted area for quite a long time? The development scheme has been going on for many years, and these people are constantly being fobbed off with one excuse or another. Can he do something to expedite the procedure, perhaps by egging on the authorities concerned, and may I have the assurance that once the inquiry has been held as little delay as possible will follow?

Mr. Skeffington

; I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern about this matter and that it has gone on for a very long time. This has been one of the difficulties, particularly before we had the new powers in the 1968 Act, but the G.L.C. hopes to advertise its proposals shortly and we may have them by next month.