HC Deb 28 January 2003 vol 398 cc787-8W
Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce measures to prevent the speculative purchase of agricultural land in designated green belt, its sub-division into building plots and sale on the basis of an anticipated relaxation of planning controls. [92832]

Mr. McNulty

The Government reaffirmed their commitment to the protection and enhancement of the Green Belt in my righ. hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister's statement on Sustainable Communities, Housing and Planning in the House of Commons on 18 July 2002,Official Report, column 438 Since 1997 over 30,000 hectares have been added to the Green Belt, or earmarked for addition.

However, it is not generally the role of the planning system to place control on land ownership.