HC Deb 03 April 1974 vol 871 cc1233-4
2. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement detailing the Government's policy towards established livestock markets and their rôle in the rural economy, in the light of possible developments of the large-scale livestock marketing complex such as that under consideration on land adjacent to the intersection of the M5 and M50 motorways.

The Minister for Planning and Local Government (Mr. John Silkin)

The possible effect on existing communities and development in the surrounding area caused by a large-scale project would be material to the consideration of any application for planning permission.

Mr. Biffen

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the project referred to in the Question would be of such a magnitude that it would constitute a major departure from the county of Worcester plan and, therefore, would involve his Department? Is he aware of the widespread disquiet that the project has caused among marketing authorities, and will he underline his own awareness of the tremendous importance to the rural economy in the West Midlands of market towns in Shropshire and adjacent counties?

Mr. Silkin

Such an application, were it to come—I do not believe that it has yet come—would be novel in this country. My own view is that the new county of Hereford and Worcester might spend some time considering whether it was a major departure from the plan. Were it so to decide, the question whether it would be called in by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of States would of course become a very live issue.