HC Deb 18 July 1984 vol 64 c198W
Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the disproportionate cost involved in estimating the amount of green belt land currently designated in the Greater London area; and on what basis he has been able to provide such information in the past.

Mr. Macfarlane

Estimates of the extent of the green belt in Greater London have in the past been derived from old development plans. More recently an estimate of the broad extent of the metropolitan green belt, which includes land in Greater London and the home counties, has been made from structure plans. In order to provide accurate figures for the green belt area in Greater London in 1979 and 1984 it would be necessary to base the calculation on the old development plan and on the detailed definition of boundaries in local plans where these have recently been adopted. It is estimated that this work would cost approximately £600.