§ 19. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make it his policy not to permit any erosion of the Metropolitan Green Belt within the new Epping Forest district of Essex.
§ Mr. RipponParticular development proposals have to be considered on their merits but it is well known that we are determined to preserve an effective green belt around London.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonMore homes are needed, and my right hon. and learned Friend's statement clearly is satisfactory, but is he aware of the anxiety occasioned by the indication that the Government wish to take some green belt land for building? It would help to remove anxiety if the Government clarified their intentions.
§ Mr. RipponI appreciate the anxieties. It is important to emphasise that land will not be taken for housing where it conflicts with basic green belt policy. We have increased the green belt round London and we propose to see a further extension. If land is taken which is nationally green belt, although it may have no amenity or other value, we shall have replacement in mind. We appreciate the need to improve access and amenity facilities in the green belt.
§ Mr. TebbitLeaving aside the proposals for the expansion of Harlow, as we should, because the proposals are under consideration, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider particularly closely those areas which are only theoretically green belt? There are old decayed greenhouses in the Lea Valley where the horticultural industry has changed. Will he consider those particu 672 larly closely, because many of them are industrial slums?
§ Mr. RipponThose are the sort of factors that must be borne in mind before there is any incursion into what is described as green belt. In considering whether to make a draft order expanding the designated area, I would bear carefully in mind whether any expansion of Harlow New Town required incursion into existing or proposed green belt.