HC Deb 10 February 1977 vol 925 cc767-9W
Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the Redditch Development Corporation will be enabled to attain the target of 70,000 population by 1980 in accordance with the

Movement of population to Redditch 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
From Birmingham … 800 600 900 700 2,600
From rest of West Midlands conurbation … 300 400 200 200 400
From elsewhere … 1,000 700 500 400 900
Total … 2,100 1,700 1,600 1,300 3,900

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, on the sites so far serviced with roads and sewers by the Redditch Development Corporation, how many houses and how many square feet of offices and factories can be built without incurring further public expenditure on infrastructure prior to development.

master plan; and if he will make a statement on the financing of new towns;

(2) whether he has yet reached any decision on the future size of Redditch New Town beyond the target of 70,000 population in 1980.

Mr. Shore

My review of policies relating to decentralisation and the inner cities, which includes a reappraisal of the new town programmes, is continuing. For a number of first and second generation new towns, including Redditch, the forward programmes are mainly so far advanced that there is little scope for material change. No decisions have, however, yet been taken. I have no statement to make on the financing of new towns.

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much industry and population has moved to Redditch in each of the last five years (a) from Birmingham and (b) from sources other than the West Midlands conurbation, including abroad.

Mr. Shore

As to Movement of industry to Redditch, a comprehensive analysis of source is not immediately available. A recent estimate shows, however, that over the five years, 1972 to 1976 inclusive. about 45 per cent. moved from the West Midlands conurbation including Birmingham, and about 55 per cent. from elsewhere. The total figures for the five year period are:

Year Square feet ('000)
1972 … … 340
1973 … … 74
1974 … … 540
1975 … … 234
1976 … … 245

Mr. Shore

As to housing, it is estimated that a further 2,700 houses can be provided on sites which have main services although some additional expenditure—e.g., on access, might be incurred.

Industry and offices: Land earmarked for industry and offices, already with main services, could accommodate about 1½ million sq. ft. and ¾ million sq. ft. respectively.

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce further appointments to the Board of the Redditch Development Corporation.

Mr. Shore

I am considering further appointments to the Board of the Redditch Development Corporation and I hope to make an announcement shortly.