§ 4. Mr. HindTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the sale and letting of factories by the Commission for the New Towns in 1987–88.
§ Mr. TrippierDuring 1987–88 the Commission for the New Towns made good progress in the letting of vacant factory space and with the implementation of its programme of property sales, including the sale of factories.
§ Mr. HindHas my hon. Friend had an opportunity to read the article in the Sunday Express of 16 October entitled, "Skelmersdale Bounces Back in New Towns Bonanza"? Is that not a major tribute to the Commission for the New Towns, which, over the past two and a half years, has let or sold 3.5 million sq ft of empty factory space in the new town and introduced 78 new firms, with a parallel reduction of unemployment of more than 2,100 over the past two years? Is it not significant that Skelmersdale, like many other new towns, is represented by Conservative Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. TrippierMy hon. Friend has made a significant point. Yes, I saw the article and I thought that it was a tribute to the Commission for the New Towns. I had the opportunity to meet the members of the board yesterday, and they particularly remarked on the significant change round in the industrial situation in Skelmersdale, which is to be commended. I have seen what has been done. It is truly remarkable that there is hardly any vacant factory space available to let in that area.
§ Mr. ConwayDoes my hon. Friend feel that there is growing conflict between the activities of the commission with regard to factory lettings and those of English Estates? Are we not approaching the time when one or other of the organisations should be subsumed?
§ Mr. TrippierNo. Their briefs are entirely different. Obviously, there is a finality to the work of the Commission for the New Towns. That is enshrined in legislation. I was discussing that matter with the commission only yesterday. English Estates, however, has a very important regional role.