§ 25. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy relating to applications by private consortia to build new towns.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State welcomes private initiative towards the development of new communities; but each case must be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. FarrWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the initiative for the establishment of new towns should be left out of the hands of private consortia who seek generally to establish a new town in order to make a vast and undeserved profit? Has he borne in mind the case of those who live in an area where a new town is proposed? They are subject to repeated planning applications and live in a permanent state of fear and anxiety.
§ Mr. PageI think the planning authorities can deal with this adequately under the normal law of planning applications and planning consents and I do not think we should reject the offer of private enterprise to increase the land available for housing and to produce a type of new town.
§ Mr. HefferHas the Minister looked at the new town of Milton Keynes and studied the houses that are being constructed there? They are of concrete and are very small, and I would not encourage anyone to live in them. Is it not clear that if there are to be new towns, they must be of a high standard, with decent housing providing large accommodation.
§ Mr. PageThat is a different question. I was asked about private consortia building new towns. Milton Keynes is not of that type. If the hon. Member cares to put down a detailed question on the matter, it will be answered.