§ 9. Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the remarks by the Minister for housing on the potential beneficial impact of a well-designed new town or village on the landscape.
§ Mr. HeseltineI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to a recent speech by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning to a conference on "Tomorrow's New Communities". I have had no direct representations on his remarks.
§ Mr. FavellMy hon. Friend is right; I am referring to that brave speech by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning. Everybody is in favour of the green belt; it is a valuable asset. But if we are never to build beyond the green belt in countryside which is accessible, valuable or beautiful, all building will have to take place within towns. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the vast majority of people live in towns and that they, too, want to be able to see trees and to have somewhere to let the dog run and for their children to play?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am most interested in what my hon. Friend said. He will know that we issued a consultation paper on the subject. We shall be giving our definitive views on the matter shortly and I shall take into account what my hon. Friend said.
§ Mr. TurnerIs the Secretary of State aware of the devastating effect on the landscape and estates close to limestone workings? It is not always a happy story. In my constituency families are suffering seriously as a result of old limestone workings and they have turned to the Government for support. However, we have not yet heard anything positive from the Government and it would be welcome if the Secretary of State could tell the people of Ettingshall Park Farm in my constituency that some relief will be offered to them soon.
§ Mr. HeseltineHad I been able to anticipate the hon. Gentleman's question I should have answered it today instead of tomorrow.