HC Deb 04 December 1964 vol 703 cc118-9W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the proposed size of the new town that he proposes establishing in Mid-Wales;

(2) what surveys have been undertaken by the Welsh Office with a view to setting up a new town in Mid-Wales;

(3) what are the alternative sites he has in mind for a new town in Mid-Wales;

(4) what is the estimated cost of establishing the proposed new town in Mid-Wales;

(5) what consideration he has given to establishing a Mid-Wales Development Board on the lines of the proposed Highlands Development Board as an alternative to a new town in Mid-Wales; and if he will make a statement;

(6) what consultations he has held with local authorities in Mid-Wales to ascertain whether the inhabitants of Mid-Wales are in favour of a new town being built in the area, and to ascertain their views on the matter generally;

(7) what negotiations he has had with Welsh cultural and social organisations with a view to ascertaining from them their views of the possible effect on Welsh social and cultural life of the proposed new town in Wales;

(8) how he proposes to raise the money for the establishment of the new town;

(9) if he will make a statement as to the comparative cost of the proposed new town and the development of the existing towns of the area to such a state as to make the existing economy viable;

(10) whether it is proposed that the population of the proposed new town in Wales will be obtained from overspill arrangements from English cities or from overspill arrangements with cities or boroughs in Wales; and what will be the main source of population;

(11) what steps he has in mind for providing employment facilities in the proposed new town;

(12) by what criteria he intends to determine the best site for the proposed new town;

(13) whether the proposed new town is intended to be on a wholly new site, or whether it will be the development of an existing town into a larger town;

(14) what rail links the proposed new town will have with other parts of the country;

(15) from what official bodies he has sought and received advice as to the feasibility of a new town in Mid-Wales;

(16) how soon it is contemplated that the proposed new town shall be built.

Mr. James Griffiths

My examination of these matters is at present in a preliminary stage. Before a decision is reached on a possible new town in Wales, and other means of assisting the rural areas, I intend to consult the interests concerned, and in particular hope in the near future to visit Mid-Wales and have discussions there with the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association.

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