HC Deb 28 April 1971 vol 816 cc399-400
7. Mr. William Shelton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which London boroughs have been active in promoting links with new towns.

Mr. Peter Walker

I understand that discussions with a number of London borough councils are in progress; and I hope that the recent "Peterborough Week" in Lambeth, to publicise opportunities in new towns, will be followed by others.

Mr. Shelton

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Have these developments gathered pace in the last few years, especially since 1968, for instance?

Mr. Walker

There are tremendous opportunities for Londoners being rehoused in new towns and overspill developments. I am anxious that there should be the maximum publicity of the opportunities.

Mr. John Fraser

Was not one thing that came out of the "Peterborough Week" in Lambeth the fact that the growth of unemployment under the present Government is making the operation of the industrial selection scheme much more difficult?

Mr. Walker

That is a very unfair comment, especially as that week was highly successful. I am sad that the hon. Gentleman should make that remark.