§ Lord Balnielasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why no consultation took place with the Hertfordshire County Council before his Department asked the Stevenage Development 354W Corporation to examine the possibilities of expanding Stevenage.
§ Mr. John SilkinBecause at that stage my right hon. Friend made it clear to the corporation, which must make the running in these matters, that he expected it to consult the county council: but there is no question of my right hon. Friend's eventually making an Order to extend the designated area of the new town without direct consultation with the local authorities concerned.