HC Deb 05 April 1977 vol 929 cc1126-7
Mr. Michael Morris

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the future of new towns". The matter is specific in that there are a number of designated new towns with a total population of more than 2 million people. The matter is important because this is the first major review that there has been for over 15 years, and the statement that we heard today puts the viability of a number of new towns into question.

The matter is urgent because, for months on end, every hon. Member who represents a new town has had a cloud hanging over him while awaiting this statement. We were given to understand that the statement would be made after Easter, but it has been made before Easter.

We have no opportunity to apply for a normal Adjournment debate and no opportunity to press the Lord President on this matter in business questions. It is for those reasons that I apply for this emergency debate.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 to discuss a matter that is specific and important, namely, the future of new towns". I have listened very carefully to the exchanges this afternoon and also to what the hon. Member for Northampton, South said in making his application. However, I fear that I cannot grant his application.