§ 12. Mr. Denzil Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will now approve the compulsory purchase order made by a consortium of local authorities in respect of the old Royal ordnance factory site at Pembrey.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNo. I understand that the acquisition of this land is at present the subject of negotiations between the consortium and objectors. If no agreement is reached it may be necessary for a public local inquiry to be held before I can give a decision on the order.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not the Secretary of State realise that there is considerable resentment in my constituency at the failure of the Welsh Office to approve this compulsory purchase order? Further, does he not realise that the local authorities' ambitious plans to develop a countryside park have now been put in jeopardy by the intervention of a private property company whose sole concern is to make as much profit in as short a time as possible with no concern for the needs of the local community?
§ Mr. ThomasI do not know why there should be any resentment at the failure of the Welsh Office to approve the order. The hon. Gentleman may be aware that there was an inquiry set for 27th March 1973, that the inquiry appointed for that date was cancelled at the request of all parties concerned and that the local authorities and the objectors are still in negotiation. It would be improper for me to intervene at this stage in a matter on which I may in due course have to make a formal decision.