§ 13. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what response he has had to his circular on housing for senior management in Wales.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Mark Robinson)None, Sir. The circular was issued on 17 June following consultations on a draft version.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerTo prevent any stupid vote-catching complaints that the circular is favouring the rich, will my hon. Friend point out the need to attract top-class entrepreneurs to Wales to create the jobs that we so badly need there?
§ Mr. RobinsonMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The purpose of the initiative is to create a good pool of housing for top industrialists.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellIn assisting people to respond to this obnoxious, waffly circular, could the Minister say what research his Department, or anyone, has undertaken to substantiate the demand that could exist for this type of housing?
§ Mr. RobinsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State decided to issue the circular on the basis of the many representations made to him on this subject.
§ Sir Raymond GowerIs not one of the major difficulties in this case that many of these houses are required in sensitive areas, for example, in areas of particular beauty? To that extent, will my hon. Friend hold consultations with the housing authorities on this matter?
§ Mr. RobinsonIf my hon. Friend reads the circular, he will see that we cover that point. Obviously we are not looking to build such houses in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasWill the Minister tell the House which planning authorities in Wales supported the draft circular when he sent it out?
§ Mr. RobinsonWe received a considerable response to that consultation, and about half the representations were in favour and about half were against. The majority of representations against the draft circular came from local authorities.