§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) when he received the report of the consultants in connection with the possible expansion of Ipswich; and when he will release the report generally;
(2) whether he will detail the procedure, including references to legislation, which he proposes to follow in connection with the consideration, discussion, appeal facilities and implementation of the report now in his hands concerning the possible expansion of Ipswich;
(3) in connection with the consultants' report on the possible expansion of Ipswich, what steps he has in view to ensure the widest possible public debate prior to acceptance or otherwise of the report, both by the local planning authorities and by the Government.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe consultants' report on the possible expansion of Ipswich was received in my Department on 8th June and is now being printed. It is hoped to publish in early September.
If, after considering the report, I decide to proceed with the proposed expansion I shall, after consultation with the local authorities concerned, publish a draft order under Section 1 (1) of the New Towns Act, 1965, designating an area of land including the present Ipswich as the site of a new town. The procedure to be followed thereafter is laid down in Schedule 1 of the same Act. There will be ample time for public debate, including a local public inquiry before a decision.