§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will, in considering planning applications from new town development corporations, bear in mind the need economically to use agricultural land which is being swallowed up nationally at a rate of 60,000 to 70,000 acres a year.
§ Mr. OakesI agree with my hon. Friend that there is need to conserve agricultural land. This need is carefully weighted at the time of designation when the views of the agricultural interest are taken fully into account. Thereafter, it is implicit that the primary purpose of the designated area is for urban development.