To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) whether the Government have plans for direct public sector land acquisition at pre-planning decision land values in respect of eco-town developments; (171217)

We have received over 50 expressions of interest for eco-towns and expect to publish the proposals shortly, once we have completed an initial assessment of the applications received. In the Eco-towns Prospectus (published on 23 July), land use was one of the seven criteria against which eco-town proposals will be assessed, and we said that “where there are good opportunities to do so, schemes should make use of suitable surplus public sector land, or brownfield land”.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which locations have been submitted to her Department as prospective eco-towns as part of the new points growth scheme. (175566)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban) today reference parliamentary question 164771.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list proposals submitted for eco-towns. (179267)

We expect to announce proposals shortly, once an initial assessment has taken place. There will be considerable opportunity for consultation before the process is completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when local authorities will be informed that a bid for an eco-town has been (a) made, (b) successful and (c) unsuccessful in their area. (179834)

[holding answer 17 January 2008]: We are consulting with local authorities in the relevant areas covered by proposed eco-towns in January 2008 as part of an initial assessment of bids and expect to publish proposals shortly. There will be considerable opportunity for consultation before the process is completed.