§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what use he intends to make of the extended powers in the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 to give consents to disposals by new towns.
§ Mr. StanleyThe Secretary of State has now issued a general consent to freehold disposals and leasehold disposals up to 150 years by new town development corporations and the Commission for the New Towns. Except for disposals to other public authorities—where special rules have applied since 1962—this requires them to be satisfied that the consideration for a disposal is riot less than the best that can reasonably be obtained. In consequence, my Department will no longer be examining proposed negotiated disposals which are otherwise in accord with the Government's general policy.