HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 cc1335-6
37. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to complete his discussions with local planning authorities and regional councils about the Severnside Study.

Mr. Graham Page

As we are only just starting the consultations, it is too early to say when they will be completed. They will be pursued as quickly as possible with all parties concerned.

Mr. Adley

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that the pressures on the green belt to the north and east of Bristol are already extreme and that to many of us it is extraordinary that the Severnside Study did not even mention the shortly to be opened Avon Bridge? Would he please bear in mind that a final decision should not be made until the exact shape of Area No. 26 is decided.

Mr. Page

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising these points. They will all be taken into consideration when examining the study.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Would the Minister also bear in mind the fact that there are two sides of the Channel?

Mr. Page

I presume that I know to which Channel the hon. Gentleman refers. The Welsh planning authorities and Planning Council will be brought into the study.