Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether arising out of the Interim Report of the New Towns Committee and the fixation of the final boundaries for new towns, he will give an assurance that those farmers inside the boundary will have security of tenure for at least two years so as to avoid the immediate loss of food production over the whole area which would result from the immediate abandonment of cultivation of these farms.
§ Mr. SilkinEvery effort will be made to avoid premature disturbance of farmers, but the need for development will generally be urgent and accordingly it is not practicable to give the assurance for which the hon. Member asks. I may add that in all such matters I am keeping and shall continue to keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.