§ 90. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will suspend action in regard to the proposed new town at Stevenage until the New Towns Bill has been debated in Parliament.
§ Mr. Silkin:No, Sir. The development of a new town at Stevenage is a first step in the implementation of the Government's policy of a planned decentralisation from the congested areas of London, which was the subject of a statement to the House on 5th March last. While for the maximum development of the town the powers proposed in the New Towns Bill will be required, I see no justification for delaying to take the preparatory steps which are possible under existing legislation.