§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has considered the future of Cwmbran development corporation; and, if so, with what results.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe Government's consideration of the future of new towns has been reflected so far in answers which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has given on the future of new towns in England, and in the document which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland published recently.
Cwmbran was designated as a new town in 1949 and the Cwmbran development corporation, having done an excellent job over the years, is approaching the end of its task.
Cwmbran's present population is 45, 700 as compared with the target of 55, 000 (set in 1968). Further corporation and private sector development within the next four or five years, which is expected to complete, for all practical purposes, the development of the designated area, should lead to further movement towards that target. The other major remaining tasks of the corporation, the development of Llantarnam industrial park and of Cwmbran Drive, should also be completed within that period. I have therefore concluded that the aim should be to wind up the Cwmbran development corporation in the mid-1980s. My Department will now be discussing with all the bodies concerned the steps needed to give effect to my decision.