§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to publicise the powers of the New Town Commission in new towns; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyThe powers of the Commission for the New Towns are set out in part II of the New Towns Act 1981 as amended by the New Towns and Urban Development Corporations Act 1985. In addition, the legislation consolidated in the Housing Act 1985 provides that the commission's residential tenants are secure tenants, as are tenants of development corporations. This means that the position of such tenants is unaffected by the transfer of a development corporation's rented housing to the commission. In towns where the development corporation was wound up and its assets transferred to the commission after 15 November 1985, the commission has powers to carry out or authorise the development of new town land in accordance with proposals for development approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State under section 7(1) of the 1981 Act before the date of transfer of assets. Certain of the commission's powers may not be exercised without the authority of my right hon. Friend. In carrying out its functions in respect of any new town, the commission must have regard, among other things, to the convenience and welfare of people living, working or carrying on business there.