§ 20. Mr. Leonardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now introduce a Bill to expedite the purchase by local authorities of properties affected by planning blight.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI consider that this is one of the major questions which Governments have to tackle. The creation of the new Department provides us with an opportunity to review the whole question of compensation and planning blight. I have already announced that such a review shall take place.
§ Mr. LeonardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of householders are suffering severe inconvenience and hardship due to the present uncertainty? Will he ensure that the review being carried out in his Department is completed speedily so that he can come to the House with his proposals at the earliest possible opportunity?
§ Mr. WalkerI am aware that considerable hardship is caused under this heading, and I shall certainly speed up the review as far as possible. As previous Governments know, it is a complicated and tricky subject, but I hope to conclude the review as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. FreesonI accept that it is a tricky and complicated subject, but surely the right hon. Gentleman must know that the report was completed very soon before the General Election on 18th June? The report is before him. Why does he not propose to take action and announce it today?
§ Mr. WalkerIf what I was given when I arrived at the Ministry is the hon. Gentleman's idea of a complete report, I must tell him that I thought it was highly unsatisfactory and that I am carrying out a far wider review.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the special problems of cities like Peterborough where the new town procedure has been superimposed on an ancient civic authority, which means that we have many more cases of this sort than one would have in normal circumstances?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir.