HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc259-61W
Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how he proposes to compensate farmers in the Stonehouse area whose land has been compulsorily purchased by the East Kilbride and Stone-house Development Corporation;

(2) what arrangements will be made for compensation to farmers in the designated area of Stonehouse New Town whose land has been compulsorily purchased and whose farms have been demolished;

(3) how many claims for compensation he expects to be made from persons in the designated area of Stonehouse New Town affected by his decision to end the development of the new town;

(4) to whom claims for compensation in respect of the abandonment of Stone-house New Town are to be made;

(5) what provision he has made to meet claims for compensation arising from his abandonment of the development of Stonehouse New Town.

(6) what estimate he has made of the amount of compensation likely to be claimed as a consequence of is abandonment of Stonehouse New Town.

Mr. Millan

The Government will be considering, in the context of the legislation required to de-designate the new town area, whether, and if so what, detailed provision additional to that in existing legislation should be made regarding matters upon which claims for compensation might arise. Meanwhile, it would be premature to speculate about the possible extent or nature of such claims.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to introduce his measure to de-designate Stone-house New Town.

Mr. Millan

Subject to the parliamentary programme, as soon as consultations on the provisions to be included in the Bill and other necessary preliminary procedures have been completed.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he proposes to make for the exercise of planning powers in the designated area of Stonehouse New Town in the period before his de-designation measure.

Mr. Millan

Existing arrangements will continue until formal de-designation is effected.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take in respect of land within the Stone-house New Town designated area owned by WEBCO.

Mr. Millan

I am not aware of any need for action on my part in respect of land held privately within the designated area.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) to whom he proposes to transfer land within the designated area of Stonehouse New Town which has already been purchased by East Kilbride and Stonehouse Development Corporation;

(2) what consultations will take place with other authorities concerning transfers of sales of land within the designated area of Stonehouse New Town, having regard to the Community Land Act 1975;

(3) if his Bill to de-designate Stonehouse New Town will amend the limitation imposed by the New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968 concerning the disposal of land;

(4) if he will discuss with representatives of the National Farmers' Union the problems of farmers in the designated area of Stonehouse New Town whose land has been compulsorily purchased;

(5) if he proposes to refer the valuation of land within the designated area of Stonehouse New Town which is to be sold or transferred to other authorities to the district valuer; or if he proposes other steps.

Mr. Millan

Matters relating to the treatment of assets at Stonehouse held by the development corporation will be examined in depth in the wide consultations which will take place in the preparation of legislation to de-designate the new town.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consultations he had with the staff of East Kilbride and Stonehouse Development Corporation before announcing his decision to end the development of Stonehouse New Town; and if he will specify the dates of such consultations;

(2) on what date he informed the Chairman, General Manager and staff of East Kilbride and Stonehouse Development Corporation of his intention to end the development of Stonehouse New Town, which he announced on 12th May.

Mr. Millan

Following previous informal discussions, I met the chairman on 11th May to let him know my decision. He, and the general manager and the chief architect and planning officer, who were also present, drew my attention to considerations affecting the interests of the staff as on earlier occasions but I could not reasonably have extended my consultations further in advance of the announcement of my decision to Parliament.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the need of the area of Stone-house for extended sewage provision.

Mr. Millan

Following my announcement on 12th May that the development of Stonehouse New Town is not to proceed, Strathclyde Regional Council, as sewerage authority, is looking afresh at the needs of the area.

Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an official visit to Stonehouse.

Mr. Millan

I have no present plans to do so.