asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the discussions with the London County Council on the proposed new town for 25,000 people on Erith Marshes; how many meetings have been held; and what further meetings are contemplated;

(2) what talks have been held, or are contemplated, in respect to the estimated cost of £50 million for the proposed new town on stilts for 25,000 people on Erith Marshes; and what decision has been reached on the share of the cost to be borne by Her Majesty's Government, the London County Council and the Kent County Council.

Earlier this year officers of the London County Council and my Department discussed general questions of financial assistance towards the cost of developing the Woolwich Arsenal— Erith Marshes land and of moving industry into the area, in the event that the county council should decide to go forward with such a scheme. In view of the unusual site conditions, I would expect the London County Council to seek further informal discussions with my Department on the availability of housing subsidies, particularly those payable on expensive sites and tall block of flats. No decision is called for from me on any sharing of the cost by the Kent County Council.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, but can he give an assurance that he is closely watching developments here, in view of the fact that in many ways this is different from and much more costly than anything that has been attempted by a local authority before? Secondly, does he appreciate the impact that this is creating upon local people where the transport system is already working to the maximum capacity, and also where there are difficulties in getting jobs? In view of the special nature of this project, may we be assured that the right hon. Gentleman is keeping all these things in mind?

These things are not yet for me, except where local authorities like the L.C.C. wish to consult the Department informally about possible contributions under possible conditions. I am sure that the L.C.C. will study the points which have been made by the hon. Member in his Question.