§ Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the development of training in urban planning; and in particular, whether he has yet made a decision on the recommendation in Lady Sharp's Report, "Transport Planning, the Men for the Job", a copy of which is in his possession, for the establishment of a new centre for integrated transportation planning.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAgreement has now been reached with Bristol University to set up a new School of Advanced Urban Studies. Professor Sir Colin Buchanan is to be Director-designate. The school will provide about 80 places concentrating on post-experience and inter-disciplinary training for those concerned in various ways and from different backgrounds with the planning and control of urban areas. It is intended that the school should cover a wider area than that envisaged in Lady Sharp's recommendation. Naturally much of the emphasis will be on the land uses and transport systems which constitute the physical environment, but the school will be concerned with urban objectives generally, the forces and constraints which affect policies, the complexities of decision-making and new analytical techniques. Advanced, high-quality, mid-career training in these288W matters will be of great importance for maintaining the quality of thought and output in the staffs of the new larger local authorities and for providing future leaders.
I am also hoping to sponsor, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, an increase in the number and types of courses available to professional planners. Special consideration is being given to locating the courses in assisted areas in England, Scotland and Wales and approaches have already been made to the Universities of Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester in this connection.