§ 3. Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to make any changes to the Government's policies on the green belt.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)No, Sir. The policy on development in the green belt remains as set out in my Department's circular 14/84.
§ Mr. JonesI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his defence of the green belt. Can he confirm that where the local planning authority, the borough or district council, is opposed to the release of land from the green belt, such as in my own constituency, he will reinforce the stance of the council and not seek to release land against its wishes?
§ Mr. RidleyWe must take into account the structure plans. Together with the green belt policy and the nature of any structure plans that are in existence, my role is to make an interpretation if appeals come to me.
§ Mr. ColvinMy hon. Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, West (Mr. Jones) is lucky to know where his green belt is. My constituents and the planners who look after their interests have been waiting for months for the publication of the South Hampshire structure plan. Can my right hon. Friend give me any idea when that plan is likely to see the light of day?
§ Mr. RidleyShortly.