HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 c659
6. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make arrangements to visit Portsmouth.

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Judd

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman oblige the citizens of Portsmouth by making early plans to visit Portsmouth? When he comes will he look at two problems in particular? First, will he consider the difficulties arising from the fact that Portsmouth has a large proportion of public sector housing and that some of the worst living conditions in the city are in the public sector? Will he consider the need for a large injection of public funds completely to improve the environment of the public sector? Secondly, will he consider the absolutely appalling concept proposed by a special working party for a strategic lorry park on the already overcrowded Portsea Island? That would be completely unacceptable to the people of Portsmouth, who are short of space already.

Mr. Rippon

I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says. The lorry park is a matter, in the first instance, for the Portsmouth City Council. Thereafter the planning procedures may apply. If the hon. Gentleman has specific questions that he wishes to put on the Order Paper I shall do my best to answer them.