HC Deb 17 November 1953 vol 520 cc145-6W
95. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has given further attention to the practice of some house agents in requiring advance

is most carefully scrutinised in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture; and if there seems to be alternative land which is less valuable to agriculture, and which is at all suitable for the houses, attention of the authority proposing to build is directed to it. In appropriate cases approval for building on good agricultural land is refused; but most proposals of the kind are checked before they reach an advanced stage; and all local authorities have been told that good agricultural land must not be taken for housing unless it is unavoidable. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular in which that direction was given. I would also refer him to the latest Supplement to the Housing Manual which is designed, among other things, to encourage economy in the use of land.