HL Deb 30 January 1963 vol 246 cc311-2

2.39 p.m.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, now that it has been decided radically to increase the limits of London, whether they could state if any action has been taken to ensure that the developments that will in due course be made in the added areas conform to a properly prepared town plan as a guide to those who will be responsible for the changes which will eventually take place.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (EARL JELLICOE)

Yes, my Lords. May I invite my noble friend's attention to the provisions contained in Clause 25 of the London Government Bill now before Parliament? Briefly, this clause provides that the existing development plans for the areas in question shall remain in being until such time as the Greater London Council can prepare a development plan settling the general policy for the area as a whole, and until the new London boroughs can bring their detailed local plans up to date in conformity with that general policy.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that information, may I ask him whether, in view of the unfortunate condition that has resulted in London to-day, owing to the non-existence of any properly controlled town plan, he does not recognise that it is exceedingly important that such a mistake should not be repeated in the development which is bound to take place in the enlarged London which will materialise as the years go by? Would he therefore make a point of insisting that local authorities conform to a real town plan in this connection?

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, I do not think I should necessarily go along with all the statements contained in my noble friend's supplementary question. But if he will look at Clause 25 of the Bill now before another place, I think he will see that that provides for exactly what he is requesting.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, again I thank my noble friend for his answer. But, having had the experience I have had, I believe that if he thinks about it he will agree that they do not always conform to matters put into Bills.