HL Deb 29 June 1965 vol 267 cc726-8

2.40 p.m.

LORD SEGAL

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Report of the Rochard-Thomas inquiry on the future development of Oxford is likely to be submitted to the Minister concerned.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (LORD MITCHISON)

My Lords, Mr. A. E. Rochard-Thomas, who is Principal Housing and Planning Inspector in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, held a public inquiry at Oxford from January 19 to February 19. The inquiry was into objections and representations relating to proposals for additions to the Oxford City development plan and into the submission for confirmation of four compulsory purchase orders. The Inspector has completed his report. It is not possible at this stage to give any further indication when a decision may be reached. The Minister is, of course, anxious that it should be dealt with as speedily as possible.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his reply, may I ask, in view of the wide interest that is likely to be taken in this report, well beyond the boundaries of Oxford, whether he can perhaps say when it may be made available to the general public?

LORD MITCHISON

I am afraid I cannot do so at the moment; but I will make inquiries and write to my noble friend on the matter. Naturally, I appreciate that there is wide interest.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that this Oxford business has been going on for six years? Does he not think it is about time that some decision was reached and something done about it?

LORD MITCHISON

It is better to have a right decision late than a wrong decision early.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, could my noble friend make it clear whether a final decision will be reached by the Minister before the Ring Road is completed?

LORD MITCHISON

All I can say at present about the date of the decision is that it looks to me as if it is more likely to be a matter of months than of weeks.

LORD MOLSON

My Lords, I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether the report will be published before the Minister comes to a decision on it, or whether we shall be faced with a decision by the Minister upon it before we have read the report?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, may I remind the noble Lord that I gave no undertaking about the publication of the report? I am not sure that these reports are usually published. As I have said, I will inquire into the matter and will write to my noble friend about it; and I will send a copy of the letter to the noble Lord, Lord Molson.

LORD MOLSON

My Lords, I am much obliged.