§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state his policy on the preservation of the London green belt in the face of the demand for more land for housing, roads and other purposes; and if he will discourage development for inessential purposes.
§ Mr. John SilkinAs my right hon. Friend said in his answer to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Fowler) on 3rd April—[Vol. 871, c. 1254.]—the preservation of green belt land is an important aspect of the Government's determination to protect and improve the environment. Obviously the need for any development in the London green belt must be considered very carefully indeed in the light of the Government's policy.