§ 5. Mr. Murtonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what are his plans for ensuring an adequate supply of building land ahead of immediate requirements.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy right hon. Friend appreciates that the availability of land is essential to the revival of the house-building programme and we are beginning discussions with local authorities about this.
§ Mr. MurtonDoes my hon. Friend agree that part of the problem is that land has been brought forward in too small quantities and only from time to time, and that this has probably added quite considerably to the cost to the home 1339 buyer? Will my hon. Friend consider a ten-year rolling programme for the release of land in the future?
§ Mr. PageI agree with the first remarks of my hon. Friend. On the second part of his question, I think that a lot depends on regional planning, and we are pressing forward with that as best we can.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Minister said that the Government were beginning discussions with local authorities. Is he not aware that discussions on this matter have been going on for some time, particularly with county planning authorities? Does he appreciate that one of the difficulties, that of the resistance to releasing land, can be overcome by the use of the Land Commission in selected areas?
§ Mr. SandysWhile recognising the need for more land for building, may I ask my hon. Friend to remember the importance of preserving the Green Belt?