§ 17. Mrs. Shirley Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding his proposal for an expansion of Stevenage; and what arrangements he has made for a public inquiry.
§ Mr. RipponI am considering the development corporation's report on expansion based on the feasibility studies and public participation exercise it has carried out. I am also considering representations made to me direct by local organisations and individuals. If in the light of these I decide to make a draft order to extend the designated area, that will be advertised. If objections are made, a public inquiry will be held.
§ Mrs. WilliamsWill the Minister confirm that the representations that he has received are overwhelmingly against expansion? Does he agree that the inquiry will be totally independent, in spite of any pronouncements that may have been made by his predecessor? Finally, and more generally, may I ask the Minister about the implications of re-opening a major public inquiry—in which a great deal of money has been spent by objectors—only a few years after a decision was made by a previous administration?
§ Mr. RipponOn the latter point, the fact that it has been inquired into is a relevant consideration. Circumstances do change. I shall, as I have assured the hon. Lady, bear in mind the various representations that have been made to me. Inevitably, the bulk of representations is always against expansion, because I am afraid that in many cases the attitude is, "We will not have Heaven crammed; let all the rest be damned."