HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 cc310-1W
Mrs. Lena Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he is giving to local authorities about the planning and development of railway land in their areas which is no longer needed by British Rail.

Mr. Rippon

I am anxious that local authorities and British Rail should cooperate to make the best use of surplus railway lands. In particular, I consistently urge that suitable surplus land should be used for housing, especially in areas where there is a housing shortage. A recent drive to release surplus railway land in London for this purpose has produced good results, and further initiatives, embracing all parts of the country, are under consideration.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the proposal by British Railways to lease land at Bankside, London, to Edger Investment Limited and other similar proposals, if he will issue a general direction to the board under Section 27 of the Transport Act 1962 to refrain from disposing of any right or interest in land until he has considered applications by it under Section 20 to borrow money for the purposes of developing such land as it sees fit under Section 11 of the Act.

Mr. Peytonn

No.