HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc343-4W
89 and 90. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning (1) what tentative proposals have so far been received for the establishing of industrial undertakings in Hemel Hempstead, Harlow, Three Bridges and Crawley in the event of orders designating these places as the areas of new towns;

(2) what firms' proposals have so far been received for the establishing of industrial undertakings in the new town of Stevenage.

Mr. Silkin

As stated by my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 12th December, some 200 firms have shown an interest in the possibility of sites in new towns or quasi-satellites. Of these, 127 have stated a preference for Stevenage, 21 for Crawley—Three Bridges, 22 for Harlow, 13 for Hemel Hempstead, and the rest have indicated no particular preference.

Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps he is taking to attract industry to the new towns so as to ensure balanced social and industrial communities.

Mr. Silkin

In view of the number of firms who have shown a keen interest in factory sites in the new towns, no difficulty is expected in securing sufficient industry in each of the new towns to ensure that they are properly balanced socially and economically. The Board of Trade, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, including my Ministry, are responsible for considering whether the proposals put forward by industrialists can be approved for the new towns within the terms of the Government's distribution of industry policy. From among the firms so approved, each of the development corporations will, in collaboration with the Board of Trade, select those enterprises which, by reason of the type of employment afforded, will contribute towards making the new towns balanced social and industrial communities.