Lancashire (New Town)

HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc466-7W

Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the report of Dr. Alan Hibbert respecting ecology in the designated central Lancashire new town area is to be published by his Department; if so, when; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Silkin

Dr. Hibbert's report was commissioned by the Central Lancashire Development Corporation. Its publication is a matter for the corporation to decide.

Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when publication of the central Lancashire new town's outline plan is likely to be; and what period of time is expected to elapse between such publication and any public inquiry;

(2) whether he has fixed a date for the public inquiry in respect of the central Lancashire new town's outline plan.

Mr. John Silkin

I understand from the Central Lancashire Development Corporation that it hopes to be able to publish its outline plan about the end of May. My Department has made provisional arrangements for a public inquiry into possible objections to begin on 17th September, but these arrangements will be reconsidered if publication of the plan is significantly delayed.