§ 20. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to announce his decision on the future expansion of Harlow New Town.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThere will be no avoidable delay in coming to a decision on the expansion of Harlow, but this must be considered in the light of the planning strategy emerging from the report of the South-East Joint Planning Team. Before publishing any draft expansion proposals I shall also wish to 362 consult the local authorities and the development corporation.
§ Mr. TebbitMay I express my gratitude for that reply. My right hon. Friend will be aware that formerly it was held that the Roskill Commission's Report was holding up this decision. I should like to be assured that my right hon. Friend is aware of the urgency of this matter, because of both the shortage of housing, especially second-generation housing, and the shortage of jobs, which is growing because industrialists do not know whether they can expand, and some are talking of leaving the town because of that fact.
§ Mr. WalkerSuch are the activities of my hon. Friend that it is impossible not to be aware of the urgency of this problem.