§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satis- 48W fled that the Strategic Plan for the South-East, published in 1970, still provides a suitable framework for local authorities to perform their planning responsibilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinYes; the Strategic Plan which was prepared jointly by the Government, the South-East Economic Planning Council and the Standing Conference on London and South-East Regional Planning set out certain broad principles for the development of the region. These still remain valid. In particular the decision to check widespread urbanisation by concentrating growth as far as possible in a number of major and medium growth areas has proved to be sound.
I have decided, however, that the plan needs updating, mainly in the light of economic changes since it was compiled in the late 1960s. I have, therefore, invited the South-East Economic Planning Council and the Standing Conference on London and South-East Regional Planning to join with my Department in updating and further developing the plan.