South East Study

Oral Answers to Questions — Economic Affairs – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 3 June 1965.

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Photo of Mr Terence Boston Mr Terence Boston , Faversham 12:00, 3 June 1965

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what progress he has made with his review of the South East Study; and if he will now make a statement.

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

Good progress is being made but I cannot yet give a date when the review will be completed.

Photo of Mr Terence Boston Mr Terence Boston , Faversham

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to give some indication when the review is likely to be completed? Would he also bear in mind the suggestion of giving sympathetic consideration to the representations made by Kent County Council and other local authorities in Kent, especially in view of the fact that they were thoroughly dissatisfied with the previous Government's South East Study and are, therefore, very glad that this new opportunity is being taken of having a new look at the policy?

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

Certainly this is one of the questions which is very much in mind. It would, I think, unduly tie my hands to try to give a date now.

Photo of Sir Peter Emery Sir Peter Emery , Reading

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that much expansion and, indeed, considerable housing development in this area is being delayed till he makes a statement? Could he not give a pledge to the local authorities in this area that they can have something from his Department before the Summer Recess?

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

The hon. Gentleman must have missed the fact that on 3rd February my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government announced some interim proposals to deal with the problem he has in mind.