HC Deb 02 February 1965 vol 705 cc254-5W
43. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent he took into account, when allowing a new village for 6,000 people at Hartley, Kent, the nature and scope of commuter rail services.

54. Sir J. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what discussions he had with the transport authorities, and particularly the Railways Board, before overruling his inspector and agreeing to the development of 200 acres in the North Downs in Kent.

Mr. Crossman

Ample evidence was given at the inquiry and I have made myself generally conversant with the views of the Railways Board and my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport on the London commuter problem.

Sir J. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for widening and improving the roads from Ash and Hartley to cope with the increased traffic following the decision to house 5,000 or 6,000 people in the new commuter village.

Mr. Crossman

The widening and improvement of classified roads in the area is a matter for the Kent County Council as highway authority. Any proposals it puts forward to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will receive early consideration.

52. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, before granting planning permission for the proposed new village at North Ash, near Hartley, Kent, he himself inspected the site in question; and it he will now make such an inspection.

Mr. Crossman

I rely in these matters on the report of the inspector and I am not prepared to disclose whether I happen to be personally familiar with an appeal site or not. There is no object in visiting sites after decisions have been given. This decision has been given and it would be best if all concerned would now accept that.

55. Sir J. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent his recent decision to grant permission for the building of a new village in Ash and Hartley signifies a change in the Government's policy towards the green belt.

Mr. Crossman

There is no change in Government policy towards the green belt; so the answer is: to no extent.