HC Deb 24 February 1971 vol 812 cc550-1
10. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to reach a decision about the proposed new town development at Stonehouse.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Shortly.

Mrs. Hart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all that we have been told so far is that there will be a lot of extra houses at Stonehouse but that we have been given no numbers and still do not know whether he has specifically put it to the East Kilbride Development Corporation that it should be the agency to build houses? Is he aware that, in these circumstances, his reply is totally unsatisfactory and that it is too much that all this procrastination should take place because, apparently, he cannot make up his mind about the fundamental issues involved?

Mr. Campbell

I am sorry to think that the right hon. Lady should appear to be opposed to a proposal of this kind. It is under consideration, as I announced on 3rd February. I am aware that the last Government made an announcement in January, 1969, which has led to the development plan being amended. My estimate of the scheme which we now envisage is that it will be about five times larger.