§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take to ensure that additional provision is made for future house building needs by local authorities.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend will make an announcement about local authority housing investment programme allocations for 1984–85 as soon as possible once public expenditure decisions for next year have been taken. It is for local authorities themselves to determine their own priorities for investment, including on new house building, within the total resources made available.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that sufficient sites for future house building needs exist without eroding green belt areas.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneStructure plans for each county indicate the way in which the needs of new development, agriculture, recreation and amenity are to be met. I am consulting on draft advice about the detailed definition of long-term green belt boundaries in local plans. I am satisfied that, if local authorities adopt a considered approach, new develoment for future house building can be accommodated in suitable locations without damage to the green belt.