HC Deb 24 November 1977 vol 939 cc1730-1
3. Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish the report and findings of the Poleglass housing inquiry.

The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Ray Carter)

I hope to be able to publish the report on the Poleglass inquiry and the Government's decisions in about two months. This timing depends upon early receipt from the Planning Appeals Commission of an outstanding part of the public inquiry report.

Mr. Fitt

In view of the appalling housing conditions in the city of Belfast, particularly in West Belfast, does not the Minister think that there has been a disgraceful and completely unjustified delay in producing the report? Can he give any indication of steps that he may be taking now? When the report is available, how quickly will he be able to get houses constructed on the site?

Mr. Carter

I share all my hon. Friend's fears and worries about the situation in West Belfast. It is extremely bad. In fact, the conditions are the worst in the whole of Belfast. However, I must point out that the Planning Appeals Commission is an independent body, and there is little that I can do to press it along its way. As for West Belfast, I and the officials in my Department are actively looking at the problem there, and we hope that, whatever decision is taken at the Poleglass inquiry, when the report lands on my desk, its findings will be associated with all the other investigations that we are carrying out and these will be embodied in a final report.

Mr. Bradford

First, does the Minister accept that the Poleglass scheme would be a flagrant breach of the Matthew Stop Line? Second, would the new conurbation not be prone to the same malignant pressures which are exerted upon Twinbrook? Finally, does the Minister accept that the Hannahstown area would be an alternative site for housing required for West Belfast, and that that would not mean a major breach of the Matthew Stop Line?

Mr. Carter

The hon. Member is merely restating all the views, attitudes and opinions which have been rehearsed over the years in Belfast and which have been put before the inquiry. I simply have now to await the result of that inquiry and make a decision on the basis of its report.