HC Deb 02 July 1980 vol 987 cc600-1W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the estimated market value of dwellings still in the ownership of each new town development corporation; and what is their total estimated value;

(2) what is the value of dwellings still in the ownership of each new town corporation; and what is the total value given according to the accounts of development corporations.

Mr. Stanley

The information requested is not available. The accounts of development corporations show capital expenditure on housing construction but do not separate out the cost of land for housing purposes from that of other land or provide valuations of housing assets.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the value of the commercial and industrial assets owned by new town development corporations or the New Towns Commission for each of the new towns in historic cost terms; and what is the equivalent figure in estimated market value terms.

Mr. Stanley

Information on accumulated capital expenditure is published in the annual reports of English development corporations (HC 289 1979–80) and of the commission (HC 298 1979–80). A current market valuation town by town is not available on a comprehensive basis.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his policy in making appointments to new town development corporations to reflect the party political balance on the appropriate local authority; and, if not, what other criteria apply.

Mr. Stanley

The appointment of members of English new town boards is governed by the provisions of the New Towns Act 1965. Within those provisions, my right hon. Friend seeks to appoint people whose knowledge and experience will be of value in planning and developing the new town.