HC Deb 19 July 1978 vol 954 cc229-30W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions exist to ensure that, when new town development corporations are wound up and their industrial and commercial assets are transferred to the New Towns Commission, access to those who will take decisions and control over policy making will not become more difficult both for those who live and work in new towns and their local authorities

Mr. Guy Barnett

The commission for the New Towns is expected to maintain a local presence in each new town after the dissolution of its development corporation. We regard it as important that, in fulfilling its statutory duties, the Commission shall be sensitive to local interests and people. To this end consultation is taking place with the new town local authorities concerned, through their associations, on the future arrangements for liaison between them and the commission. Other interest groups will he consulted in due course. The needs of different towns vary and it is not expected that uniform liaison arrange-

tion, my right hon. Friend will be pleased to consider them.