§ 11. Mr. Danceasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when an announcement will be made on the outcome of the public inquiry into Birmingham's overspill proposals.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe proposals of the Birmingham City Council were called in by my right hon. Friend on 11th February 1969, and the public local inquiry into nearly 600 objections was completed in November. My right hon. Friend expects to receive the inspector's report in April. Whilst he fully appreciates the need for an early decision on these important proposals, it is equally important that they should receive the detailed consideration they deserve.
§ Mr. DanceI thank the Minister for his reply. Is he aware of the anxiety of many of my constituents in North Worcestershire about these proposals? I hope that a decision will be reached fairly soon.
§ Mr. HowellWe shall certainly bear all that in mind, but the hon. Gentleman would want us to reach the right decision and have time to do so.