§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the chairman of the London Green Belt council concerning his predecessor's assurance that land covered by the London and Home Counties Green Belt Act 1938 is inalienable; and if he will make a statement setting out his present policy with regard to proposals by local authorities to dispose of properties acquiried under the Act.
§ Mr. Yeo[holding answer 23 April 1991]: The chairman of the London Green Belt council wrote on 18 November 1990 and 5 January and 6 February 1991, receiving replies from my officials. The Government remain committed to ensuring that land held under the 1938 Act continues to fulfil green belt objectives. In considering any applications for consent to disposal under section 5 of the 1938 Act, one of the factors which my right hon. Friend will take into account is whether retention of the land in public ownership is necessary or desirable as a means of securing those objectives. Right to buy considerations arise only in respect of dwellings occupied by secure tenants; the same considerations would not be relevant to proposals to dispose of open land.