HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 cc930-2
24. Mr. Adley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy, when the number of houses actually built in a given area represents a substantial increase in the projected figures for that area in the existing county structure plan, to take this into account in his assessment of any structure plan review emanating from the relevant county; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

It is already my right hon. Friend's policy, when considering proposals for housing provision in submitted alterations to county structure plans, to take account of all relevant factors, including past building rates, before deciding whether to approve or modify the proposed figures.

Mr. Adley

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but does he recognise that some of the figures for parts of the county of Dorset, especially the south-east, have been swollen and distorted by appeals? Will my hon. Friend reconfirm his commitment to the green belt, and will he confirm that it is not the Government's policy to scatter new towns over areas such as Dorset? In passing, will my hon. Friend welcome the speech by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in which he referred to the tyranny of developers? That feeling is well understood by many of my constituents.

Mr. Waldergrave

I unequivocally reaffirm the Government's commitment to the green belt. However, I believe that my hon. Friend will recognise that some of the decisions taken in his area have been welcomed. I repeat that existing figures will be taken into account in the future run of developments. I am happy to agree with my hon. Friend about the interesting and, I believe, positive speech, by the Prince of Wales.