HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 cc137-8W
85. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that the 23.2 acres of land now available at Neasden can be acquired by the London Borough of Brent to build houses in connection with slum clearance and redevelopment needs for householders being displaced and rehoused.

Mr. Eyre

There have been detailed discussions between the London Borough of Brent and the Greater London Council and British Rail concerning the future of surplus railway land in the Neasden area. As a result, 13 acres are being released to the Borough of Brent for housing purposes. The 23 acres referred to by the hon. Member are not considered suitable for housing use.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a general direction to British Rail to give the highest priority to the use of land for housing, especially in areas qualifying for urban aid, when disposing of areas surplus to railway requirements.

Mr. Peyton

No. The board is well aware of the urgent need of land for housing.