§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he proposes to take to provide for suburban local authorities to help further in solving the housing problems of the major conurbations;
(2) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the surveys being undertaken in outer city areas to establish what acreage and sites are available for housing purposes.
§ Mr. AmeryHousing problems are not the same in every conurbation and the remedies will vary according to circumstances. I recognise the importance of gaining the assistance of the outer city areas wherever this is necessary and possible, and have urged the London boroughs on many occasions to co-operate in this way. I shall shortly be calling a conference of all the London housing authorities.
The Greater London Council is making a comprehensive land availability survey in connection with the Greater London Development Plan. In the West Midlands the report of the Planning Authorities Conference Study team will be published shortly.
More generally, we have drawn the attention of all local authorities to their responsibilities and powers for ensuring an adequate supply of land for housing.