§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyteasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain planning authorities are including in their planning schemes provisions with respect to agricultural zones under which the erection and use of all buildings other than purely agricultural buildings would be prohibited altogether except with the consent of the planning authority, and this without payment or compensation in respect of such prohibition; under what authority such provisions are included in such schemes; and whether (in order to avoid the expense 1411W which would otherwise be involved to many owners of land in objecting to schemes containing such provisions) he will inform authorities that he will not confirm schemes including such provisions?
§ Mr. Elliot:I am aware that some planning authorities propose to include in their schemes provisions intended to save land for agricultural uses and to preserve the amenities of the countryside. These objects are, in my opinion, within the scope of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, and Section 19 of that Act authorises the exclusion of compensation in respect of zoning provisions, provided that I am satisfied that the provisions are reasonable. Every scheme submitted to me will be carefully considered from that point of view; but until I have had an opportunity of considering the views of all parties upon a scheme, I could not, I think, properly act as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.