§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the hon. Member for Melton may expect a further letter regarding the composition of the support team for the Environmental Board, which was promised in a letter to the hon. Member in a letter from the former Under-Secretary of State dated 7th April 1975.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the progress to date of his Environmental Board; what general subjects it has so far discussed; and what action has been taken by his Department as a result of those discussions.
§ Mr. OakesThe Board's first task has been to consider how under the community land scheme the best contribution can be made to the Government's objectives of achieving an improvement in the built environment. Its initial advice will be reflected in a series of development advice notes which will be issued by the Department to help authorities in striking a balance between the various conflicting considerations in the planning and development of land.
The Board has set up three groups under Sir Hugh Wilson, Mr. Alfred Wood and Professor Peter Hall to study further ways in which the Department could contribute to improvement in the quality of the built environment, both where new green field development is concerned and in existing built-up areas; and to consider the scope for greater public awareness of issues affecting the quality of the built environment. The groups will draw on a wide range of outside advice in considering these matters.