§ Mr. Croom-Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what re-planning is intended on Crown property to the east of Regent's Park; whether he will give Members an opportunity of considering the plans before any alterations are made; and whether any steps are being taken to seize the opportunity to provide house accommodation on a large scale for the working classes in the district;
(2) whether he has approved plans for the re-development of Crown property lying to the east of Regent's Park; 776W whether it is proposed to build on any of the squares now existing; and, if not, whether he can give an assurance that the open spaces at present existing in that part of London will be preserved?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for having raised these questions, in view of recent statements in the Press about the plans for re-developing the Crown property to the east of Regent's Park. A scheme for rebuilding the mean streets to the east of Albany Street, where many of the houses are past repair, has been in progress for a number of years past and has been mentioned on several occasions in the House in reply to questions. Working-class flats for about 6,000 occupants are being built to rehouse the population which was in occupation of the old houses. Several blocks of flats to the north of Cumberland Market are already occupied, and can be inspected by all who are interested. None of the existing squares or open spaces will be built over, and no proposals have been under consideration for rebuilding or altering either Cumberland Terrace, Chester Terrace or any of the other terraces fronting Regent's Park. The Town Planning Department of the London County Council has been consulted at every stage, and in normal course the Crown Lands Advisory Committee will have before them shortly the plans for future development in the area extending from Cumberland Market to Longford Street. I hope that a great public improvement in this area will result, and I shall be happy to give hon. Members the fullest opportunity of considering the commissioners' plans in due course before they are carried out.