HC Deb 05 July 1960 vol 626 cc22-3W
55. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is taking in view of the development of other uses for irrigation, to conserve water for agriculture and other purposes.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend has received a report from the Central Advisory Water Committee recommending the temporary control of certain abstractions, primarily for irrigation, from rivers and streams. He is examining the recommendation urgently.

56. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will make a statement about changes in green belt policy.

Mr. H. Brooke

I should like to make it clear, in view of some recent comments in the Press, that there has been no change whatever in my policy towards green belts, which remains the same as that of my predecessor.

Nor do I contemplate any change. I believe that green belts, once properly established, should, except in very special circumstances, be maintained inviolate; and I believe further that they will be so maintained over the years, for this is a policy which commands wide support.

It is, therefore, the more important to make sure that the land to be reserved for green belt should be decided upon initially with care and discrimination. Remarks to this effect have been misconstrued in some quarters, giving rise to a false idea that policy was being relaxed. The right principles are that a green belt should be established only where there is clear need to contain the growth of a town within limits which can be defined at the time; and the limits of the belt should be carefully drawn so as not to include land which it is unnecessary to keep permanently open for the purposes of the green belt.

Further, where a town is to be closely circumscribed by green belt, proper provision must be made for development beyond the green belt. This is a matter which local planning authorities examine when reviewing their development plans, and which it is my policy to take into account when considering and approving them.