HC Deb 24 July 1962 vol 663 cc131-2W
30. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what plains he is making for additional new towns to meet the expected increase in the population of South-East England over the next 20 years.

Sir K. Joseph

The whole problem of the population increase to be expected in the South-East, and of its distribution, is at present being examined by my Department.

This is a major undertaking. When we are ready the local authorities must be consulted and their co-operation sought, and it must be some time before we have conclusions. It would be premature at this stage to try to decide what part the new town machinery may have to play.