§ Mr. Frank Maguireasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will relax the present restriction, operated through the planning regulations, on house building in rural areas, in order to offset the decline in rural populations and help avoid the moral and social problems associated with concentrated urban housing.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe policy relating to the control of residential development in 417W rural areas has been the subject of wide consultation and discussion with district councils and other bodies, following the publication of a discussion paper in July 1974. The Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland will shortly have a further opportunity for comment before a restatement of the policy is issued.
In framing and implementing policy the Government will continue to recognise the position of those whose work requires them to live in the country.
My right hon. Friend does not consider that relaxation in this matter would greatly affect population trends in the countryside or help materially in solving the social and other problems of urban areas.