Housing and Regeneration (Hansard, 26 March 1996)

§ 6. Mr. Amess
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last visited Basildon to assess housing and regeneration. [20941]

§ Mr. Curry
I met market traders and councillors in Basildon, with whom I discussed plans to revitalise the town centre. I also visited Leigh-on-Sea in Southend, where I discussed plans—[Interruption.] The Opposition may remember that I represented Southend in the European Parliament. It is an area for which I have great affection. In Leigh-on-Sea, I discussed plans for a new parish council.

§ Madam Speaker
Order. The question to the Minister concerns only Basildon and when he last visited Basildon.

§ Mr. Amess
Will my hon. Friend accept my gratitude and that of other local residents for all the assistance that the Government have given to redeveloping the Siporex Five Links Bluehouse estate following representations from the former Conservative council, despite the Opposition trying to claim credit for it? Will my 821 hon. Friend now please do all that he can to complete the development and thus restore confidence in the local housing market?

§ Mr. Curry
I felt that, in the age of open government, the House would require a full account of my travels on that day.

§ Madam Speaker
Order. The House requires Ministers to answer only the substantive question.

§ Mr. Curry
In regard to Basildon, which is the local authority adjacent to Southend, I hear what my hon. Friend says. There has indeed been a major commitment to the regeneration of estates. It is a successful programme. Clearly, we have to assess the requirements for funding on their merits, but I have no doubt that the schemes will be pursued with sufficient vigour for us to take seriously their claims on future resources.