HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc244-5
14. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement about the progress he has made in his consideration of the memorandum submitted to him by the Chartered Land Societies on the question of the provision of compensation in planning and development cases.

Mr. Denis Howell

I refer the hon. Member to what I said during the debate on the Second Reading of the Planning Blight and Worsenment Bill on Friday, 27th February.

Mr. Lane

While the modest steps announced on Friday are welcome, will the hon. Gentleman remember the many thousands of individuals who are suffering mental anxiety and financial hardship because of compensation problems? Will he pursue this matter with high priority so that the Government may make an announcement about further steps in weeks rather than months?

Mr. Howell

I do not think I can add anything only four days after a major whole-day debate on this matter in the House in which I was told by the Opposition that I took too long in stating the Government's policy.