§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take in order to arrive at a final decision on the future expansion of Harlow; and when he anticipates that this will be reached.
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§ Mr. John SilkinWe have asked the development corporation, after consulting the local authorities, to make revised expansion proposals. I hope these will be ready by early autumn. After then consulting further with the local authorities, my right hon. Friend could decide to make a draft order extending the designated area of the town. This would be advertised and at least 28 days would be allowed for objections. There would then be a public local inquiry into any objections duly made before my right hon. Friend made a final decision. I should not expect this whole process to take less than 18 months from now.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will direct the Harlow Development Corporation to provide double glazing or some altertive form of insulation to conserve heat in dwellings erected by the corporation which rely entirely on underfloor heating systems and depend on off-peak supplies of electricty.
§ Mr. John SilkinNo. It must be for the development corporation in the first instance to make proposals to my right hon. Friend if it considers that there is a demonstrably unsatisfactory situation in which exceptional measures should be considered.