§ 3.5 p.m.
§ THE LORD BISHOP OF SOUTH WARKMy 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 whether they are satisfied that the arrangements now emerging between the Greater London Council and the relevant London boroughs with regard to the redevelopment of London's Dockland will be a satisfactory way of dealing with this area.
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, the Greater London Council and relevant borough councils have formed a Statutory Joint Committee to co-ordinate the redevelopment of London's Docklands. The Committee have made an encouraging start on producing a strategy for the area and should have positive plans ready by the end of the year. In the meantime, three sites comprising a total of 177 acres have already been released from the redevelopment area for early housing development. As the Committee are in existence it is only right that they ought to be given the opportunity to show that they arc capable of carrying out their task. In the meantime, a close watch is being kept on progress.
§ THE LORD BISHOP OF SOUTH WARKMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask him when he thinks there may be some evidence of measurable progress with regard to both house building and, alongside house building, the creation of opportunities for jobs in the areas?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, generally I would express agreement with what the right reverend Prelate has said.