§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has now reached a conclusion on the future of the three north-east new towns.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIn May 1984 we sought the views of the local authorities concerned in the development of the three new towns of Aycliffe, Peterlee, and Washington on the future of these towns. We also asked other interested bodies and individuals to let us have their views. We asked for comment particularly on whether the purposes for which the development corporations were established had been substantially achieved, and on the target date of 31 December 1985 which had been set for winding up the three development corporations. The response to these consultations showed clearly the high opinion held locally of the value of the work done by these corporations, and that there was scope for this to continue. The Government have accordingly concluded that it would be appropriate to defer the winding-up date to 31 March 1988.
Between now and then we shall expect the corporations to pursue their work in developing industry and commerce in their towns, and with that the generation of jobs, relying to the maximum on private investment. We shall also expect them, in consultation with the Commission for the New Towns, the English Industrial Estates Corporation (for the industrial estates), and local organisations, to prepare satisfactory arrangements for the period after 31 March 1988.
Since 1963 Aycliffe and Peterlee development corporations have had the same membership. In order to simplify the management and administration of their work, we shall consult them about using the powers under section 6 of the New Towns Act 1981 to bring them into a single corporation.