§ Mr. Danceasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is now able to announce his decision on the application made by the Birmingham City Council for planning permission to develop some 2,400 acres in the Wythall area for industry and housing.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI have decided to reject this application on the ground that the development would mean a serious incursion into land which ought to form part of the green belt round Birmingham. Such development may prove unavoidable if no other way can be found to meeting Birmingham's great need. But I am not convinced that decentralisation of industry and housing beyond the green belt is impracticable. In the letter conveying my decision, I have offered to discuss with the authorities concerned38W ways and means of accelerating provision for this movement of people and industry out of the city. I have also made it clear that the decision does not imply that in my view all the land contained in the application ought necessarily to be included in the green belt.