§ 17. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future development of new towns, in the light of current housing needs.
§ Mr. ShoreNo, Sir. I shall report to the House as soon as the review of future policy on dispersal is completed.
§ Mr. NewensIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of us who were born in inner city areas welcome the Government's intention to pay more attention to those areas in future? However, will he also reassure some of us who are concerned with new towns that there will be no diversion of resources from them as this would lead to a lengthening of housing waiting lists for second-generation and other applicants which many of us would feel bound to oppose very strongly?
§ Mr. ShoreI welcome what my hon. Friend, as one who was born in an inner city area, has said about the new stress we are putting on helping those areas. As to the future role of new towns, we are proceeding with the review and I hope that we shall be able to complete it and make an announcement at an early date.
§ Mrs. Kellett-BowmanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing feeling in my part of Lancashire that the Central Lancashire New Town is no longer required and that, if it is proceeded with, it will have a very adverse effect on other, older parts of the county on which any available money could be very much better spent?
§ Mr. ShoreI note what the hon. Lady says. She will probably know that the outline plan decision on the CLNT is before me. I hope to come to a conclusion on it as soon as possible.