HC Deb 12 May 1976 vol 911 cc194-5W
Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on Stonehouse New Town.

Mr. Millan

After a careful reappraisal of all the factors involved, and after taking full account of representations received, including those from my right hon. Friend, who was among those who wished it to continue, I have decided that the further development of Stone-house New Town should not proceed.

This decision has been taken after full consideration of the position, and follows the view submitted by Strathclyde Regional Council that the continued development of Stonehouse would not be compatible with the strategic development plan being formulated for the region. My decision thus demonstrates the weight which I attach to the views of Strathclyde as the regional planning authority following the restructuring of local government in Scotland; and it endorses a change of emphasis, by both central and local government, in social and economic policies towards urban renewal in West Central Scotland, by recognising the need to give priority to older urban areas, in the allocation of increasingly scarce resources. rather than by expanding the number of new towns.

Other aspects which were taken into account were the need for jobs in Lanarkshire, where unemployment is unacceptably high, and the interests of the staff of East Kilbride and Stonehouse Development Corporation. I intend to provide for job creation in the area by inviting the Scottish Development Agency to take over the main industrial site at Canderside for development. Consideration is being urgently given, in consultation with the district and regional authorities, the development corporation, the SDA, and the SSHA, to ways in which staff released in the development corporation might be deployed for urban renewal work.

The process of de-designation will require legislation, and I intend that the necessary Bill will be introduced in Parliament as soon as practicable. It will

(£ million
Development Area Financial Year
1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76
Northern … … 10 29 31 31 31 29 31 45 66
South-West … … 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
Merseyside … … 6 19 21 20 21 19 20 27 37
Welsh … … 4 12 13 14 15 13 15 22 33
Scottish … … 13 40 41 41 39 37 38 57 81