§ 33. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many dwellings are involved in housing schemes which are being held back because of the Docklands Study.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI can well understand the hon. Member's concern on this topic. There is a Greater London Council development of 420 dwellings at Deptford Wharf and a few small schemes which are being delayed.
We are already seeing whether some tens of acres can be released quickly in the London Docks and at Beckton.
The study should result in substantial new areas being allocated for housing.
§ Mr. MikardoI appreciate that the Docklands Study is very worthwhile, and I hope, as I am sure does the right hon. Gentleman, that some good will come out of it. But is the right hon. Gentleman aware—he has indicated that he is—that there is great urgency about the matter? I hope that he will do his best to push it along fast.
§ Mr. WalkerWe have seen the consultants and I have asked them to release such land as can definitely be released for housing as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisOn behalf of my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for West Ham, South (Sir Elwyn Jones), may I say that he and I are very concerned about the right hon. Gentleman's reference to Beckton. The Newham Council is very anxious to get the project moving. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to use his undoubted knowledge and expertise to get those concerned in the Civil Service cracking, because West Ham—Newham, as it is now called—wants action on the Beckton site.
§ Mr. WalkerThe hon. Gentleman and his right hon. and learned Friend will agree that it would be disastrous if this unique opportunity to develop 2,000 acres and to improve the environment of the East End were lost. Within that context, we must wait for the study. Apart from doing that, I shall certainly do everything I can to hurry up development.