HC Deb 16 November 1979 vol 973 cc859-60W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to control the power now being exercised by city councils, compulsorily to purchase small business premises in the inner cities with a view to demolishing them and replacing them with public housing development.

Mr. Fox

No. Compulsory purchase orders already require confirmation by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his plans for sustaining small businesses in the central areas of principal cities.

Mr. Fox

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 12 November to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Thornton).—[Vol. 973, c. 446.]