§ Mr. Danceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now in a position to announce his decision on Birmingham's applications for development on the city boundary.
§ Mr. Graham PageYes. My right hon. Friend has today announced his decision. He has told the City Council that he attaches great importance to reducing encroachment on the proposed Green Belt to a minimum and that he is anxious not to prejudice the West Midlands Planning Authorities Conference Study more than is necessary. He has not accepted the Council's applications completely; in particular he has excluded all residential development from the Moundsley site. But he has granted permission over as much land at Hawkesley, Walker's Heath, Frankley and Kitwell as will enable a reasonable output of new housing to be maintained in the meantime. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the decision letters.