§ 19. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement concerning his plans for an urban development corporation for London Docklands.
§ Mr. HeseltineI intend to make a further statement about an urban development corporation for London Docklands in the debate on the Second Reading of the Local Government, Planning and Land (No. 2) Bill.
§ Mr. SpearingWill the Secretary of State confirm that one of his objectives in the urban development corporation is to bring about the investment of private capital? Many millions of pounds of private capital have already been committed to housing and shops in the Beckton development area. Will the right hon. Gentleman now confirm either the Docklands strategic plan or that part of it relating to Beckton? Unless he does, he is frustrating his own immediate objectives.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe hon. Gentleman must be fully aware that Newham has not given formal notice of its intention to adopt that plan, and the initiative remains with the local authority. There is no evidence—and I constantly ask hon. Members for it—that I am holding up anything at all in the London Docklands.