HC Deb 11 May 1971 vol 817 cc91-2W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement concerning his recent discussions with the London Borough of Hackney relating to the future provision of housing in the borough;

(2) if he is satisfied with the provisions for municipal housing development proposed by the London Borough of Hackney for the next three years; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what representations he made in his recent discussions with the London Borough of Hackney as to the need for that borough to make increased provision for municipal housing development in the next three years.

Mr. Amery

My general discussions with the Hackney London Borough Council about the local housing situation and the future level of house provision are still continuing and I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was specifically agreed between him and the London Borough of Hackney as to the dissembling of land which had been earmarked for municipal development by that local authority and land resources generally in his recent discussions with the London Borough of Hackney concerned with all aspects of the future provision of housing in the borough;

(2) what representations he made to the London Borough of Hackney into the dissembling of land which had been earmarked for municipal development by that local authority.

Mr. Amery

The assembly and retention of land for housing development is a matter for the Borough. My concern is to ensure that an adequate supply of land is available at the right time to enable the Borough's future housing programme to be carried out, and this is one of the points which is regularly considered in the discussions which take place between my Department and Hackney.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects his discussions with the London Borough of Hackney concerning general improvement areas to be concluded.

Mr. Amery

A further meeting between officers has been arranged for 21st May but I cannot at present anticipate when these discussions will be completed.