§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is part of his policy for the release of more building land to permit local authorities to 390W use public open spaces such as playing fields for building council houses.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo public open space can be used for another purpose without parliamentary approval unless equally advantageous land is offered in exchange. While I cannot give an assurance that in no circumstances will land at present used for public open space be used for building houses, local authorities will not I am sure embark on the procedures involved without very special reasons. Normal planning procedures apply to the development of private open space for building purposes. It is for the local planning authority to consider the merits of particular cases after seeking the views of local sports interests and consulting regional sports councils where appropriate.