§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decisions he has made about the proposals for expansion of Stevenage and Harlow new towns put forward by their respective development corporations in April and August 1973 after detailed studies and public consultations.
§ Mr. RipponI have decided not to proceed with the present proposals for major expansion of Harlow and Stevenage. I shall, however, be discussing urgently with the corporations the case for expansion on a lesser scale to meet local needs in these two towns. Bearing in mind that the studies for a similar expansion of Bracknell are not yet completed I am indicating to the development corporation that I envisage a similar limitation in this case also.