asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether lie will make provision for the repeal of the Building Control Act, 1966, in his forthcoming Housing Bill.

No. This particular Bill would not be an appropriate instrument for that purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what replies he has now received from those London boroughs to whom he wrote concerning their record in housing, with particular reference to the London Borough of Ealing.

Discussions are continuing with the London authorities about the need for increased housing programmes. The Ealing Council is proposing to put to tender some 1,000 dwellings this year and the same number in 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what extra assistance he is prepared to give to the London Borough of Lewisham in view of its housing problems;(2) what further financial assistance he intends to provide to the Inner London boroughs in order to assist them in meeting their housing problem.

Under the reform of housing finance the most subsidy will go to those authorities, like the Inner London Boroughs, who have the worst housing problems. I am now discussing the details with the local authority associations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has made of district heating schemes, in particular in relation to reducing the cost of public housing imposed by Parker Morris Standards.

The Heating and Ventilating Research Association has been commissioned to make a fact finding study of district heating schemes in operation. Local authorities seeking approval already submit an economic appraisal to demonstrate that the use of district heating in a housing scheme will achieve significant savings when its cost-in-use is compared with alternative methods of heating.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate how many elected members of local housing authorities he has consulted on the local authority associations regarding housing subsidies in their proposed new form.

In the discussions now in progress the local authorities are represented by both elected members and officers. As the discussions are confidential it would be inappropriate for me to give further details.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much he intends to reduce the total housing subsidies in England and Wales; how soon he intends to complete this policy; and what effect it will have on rent levels in the public housing sector.

Under the reform of housing finance the rent of dwellings will be the fair rent and will not depend directly on the subsidy paid to the authority. I am now discussing with the local authorities how much subsidy should be paid to tenants who cannot afford the fair rent and to authorities with special problems. Total subsidies will be less than they would have been under the policies of the previous Government; but they may well be as high in total as at present or even higher. The essential point is that they will go to those tenants and authorities who need them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress to date of his discussions with local authorities on the reform of housing finance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to report to the House on his discussions with the local authority associations about his proposals to cut housing subsidies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects his discussions with the local authority associations regarding his new housing finance structure to be concluded.

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 27th January.—[Vol. 810, c. 520–1.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state approximately how many councils have reduced their housing programmes since May, 1967, the reduction in number of council house starts between 1966–67 and 1969–70, the estimated starts for 1970–71 based on the first nine months, and the anticipated effect of cutting subsidies on future programmes.

On the first two parts of the Question the hon. Member can make his own assessment from the detailed information published in Local Housing Statistics, England and Wales. Copies of these are available in the Library. As regards the third part of the Question, 102,000 public sector dwellings were started in England and Wales in the last nine months of 1970; but I cannot estimate the number for the first three months of this year. As regards the fourth part, under the reform of housing finance those authorities who most need to build will be better able to do so than at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has made of the effect of the Government's new housing policy, announced in New Policies for Public Spending, on the council house building programme of Waltham Forest Borough Council, as a result of his discussions with local authority associations.

The effect on individual authorities of the reform of housing finance cannot be assessed until my right hon. Friend has concluded his discussions with the local authority associations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities are currently operating rent rebate schemes approved by him; and if his final proposals for the reform of housing finance will permit the continued operation of these schemes.

At present local authorities have complete discretion on rent rebates; and some 60 per cent. of housing authorities in England and Wales operated a rent rebate scheme in March, 1969. Under the reform of housing finance, these schemes will be superseded by a scheme of rent rebates and allowances for tenants of both council and private unfurnished accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses have been sold from 30th June to 31st December, 1970; and what was the corresponding figure for the six months prior to that period.

3,613 and 2,783 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if local authorities which sell council houses will be allowed to keep all the money which accrues from their sale for use at their own discretion, no part of such money being returned to the Treasury.

For all but a very small proportion of subsidised council houses the Exchequer receives no part of the proceeds in the event of a sale. But the annual deficiency basis on which subsidies under the Housing Acts of 1919 and 1923 are calculated requires a reassessment of subsidy if houses are sold. The sale proceeds are deemed to be used in reduction of the debt outstanding on the housing scheme, and the effect after making good the loss of the rent income assumed for the purpose of the calculation is some reduction in the deficiency and consequently in the subsidy on the scheme. The whole system of Government subsidies for rented accommodation is at present under review, and I would not propose to make alterations in respect of these few houses until the review is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to strengthen the Public Health Act, 1961 in regard to the clearing of sites, demolition and slum clearance.

I am satisfied that there are adequate powers in the Public Health Acts for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities on what constitutes a fair council rent for a married man with two children earning the national average wage of £28 a week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek to provide by legislation a maximum proportion of a tenant's income that can be charged for rent.

I am discussing with the local authority associations the arrangements for fixing fair rents and for giving rebates. I intend to ensure that no tenant pays more than he can reasonably afford for the dwelling he needs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to require local authorities to submit plans for all council houses and flats to his Department and to have them approved as likely to avoid serious condensation and damp before loan sanction is given.

No. Local authorities are responsible bodies and are very concerned about condensation problems. What has been needed has been investigation and advice rather than new controls. Some technical advice was published last year, and further work is now in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals to aid prospective home-buyers with official funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has in mind for making the Mortgage Option Scheme more flexible.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Wilkinson), the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) and the hon. Member for Cambridge (Mr. Lane).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what percentage output in the construction industry fell in 1969 compared with 1968; what are the equivalent figures for the first half of 1970; and to what he attributes the decline.

Output fell by 2½ per cent. in 1969 and by 5 per cent. between the first half of 1969 and the first half of 1970. This is largely attributable to the low level of housing output.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek powers to ensure that builders whose companies go into liquidation are not permitted to engage in any further constructional activities from which they or their families may derive profit.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of new units of accommodation that the London Borough of Brent has put out to tender to date and which still await decision and the number of new units which are expected to be available for occupation during 1971.

The hon. Member should apply for the precise information direct to the London Borough of Brent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken in accordance with article 3 of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage to prohibit illicit excavations and to ensure that all archaeological excavations are undertaken by qualified persons.

The protection envisaged is already provided by the Ancient Monuments Acts, which require that notice shall be given to my right hon. Friend of any proposal to excavate a scheduled monument in England. Before agreeing on his behalf to any such excavation I satisfy myself that the work will be directed by a qualified person or persons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many housing developments passed by local authorities to his Department for approval, provision has been made for disabled people under Section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

Local authorities in England have submitted proposals for 97 dwellings for the disabled in 30 housing schemes since Section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, came into force. Authorities were, of course, providing purpose-built dwellings for the disabled before the passing of this Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment since the passing of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, how many ramps have been fitted to staircases or steps; and how many requests for or suggestions of such provision have been refused.

This information is not readily available. Ramps are not specified in Section 4 of the Act and are not always the most suitable means of providing access for the disabled. No proposal by a local authority for the provision of such means has been refused by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has received the Report of the Francis Committee on the Rent Acts; when he expects to publish it; and whether he will place an advance copy in the Library.

I refer the hon. member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. Barnes). The Francis Report will be available from the Vote Office on the day of publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet received the report of the Francis Committee on strengthening penalties for illegal eviction or harassment of private tenants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a statement on the control of furnished lettings.

I refer the hon. Members to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. Barnes).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the concern many Lancashire people feel at being accommodated in tower blocks, and of their unpopularity as a form of dwelling; and what action he will take to improve the situation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10th February to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. O'Halloran).—[Vol. 811,c. 174.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the dwellings to be built in the new town in Lancashire is to be private and public; if he will arrange for consultations to take place between the architects responsible for the design of all dwellings; and if he will make a statement.

I do not think it realistic to stipulate precise percentages for this major long-term development; but I certainly hope that at least half the houses will be owner-occupied. It will be for the Development Corporation to consider what consultations on design are needed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much the new town in Lancashire will cost.

As I told the House on 3rd February, the total cost of the new development to public and private funds is of the order of £500 million. The expenditure will be phased over at least 20 years.—[Vol. 810, c. 1675–82.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what amount private architects' new commissions have decreased in the last six months.

The latest information available, which was issued in January, 1971, by the Royal Institute of British Architects, relates to the third quarter of 1970 and shows little change over the previous quarter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on his decision to increase the scale of fees charged for sports facilities in the Royal Parks as from 1st April, 1971, stating why these fees are being doubled; and whether, in view of the Government's policy of attempting to combat inflation, he will reconsider this decision.

There has been no increase in the charges for sports facilities in the Royal Parks, other than for golf, for seven years and the charges for many of these facilities have remained unchanged for much longer. The new charges amount on average to a 50 per cent. increase on the old rates and even so are very reasonable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to legislation to strengthen the regulations concerning the National House-Builders' Registration Council; what information he has concerning the operation of the Council in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government have no proposals for altering the present non-statutory position of the National House-Builders' Registration Council. I have no separate information about the Council's operation in Wales and see no need to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek powers to require local housing authorities to exempt discharged servicemen from the rule requiring a residential qualification before being admitted to their housing lists.

Local authorities have already been asked in a circular issued in 1965 to accept applications from ex-Servicemen and to consider them exclusively on the basis of housing need without regard to length of residence in the locality, provided the ex-Serviceman in question has found employment in or near the district or has family connections with it. I believe that this sort of approach is likely to be of more practical benefit to the Serviceman than legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his long-term forecasts agree with the annual report of the National Federation of Building Trade Employers, a copy of which is in his possession, that housebuilding as a proportion of the overall construction programme is likely to decline in the 1970's.

Long-term forecasts are necessarily tentative and I cannot at present predict the effect of the changes in housing policy which are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to arrest the decline in system-built housing in the public sector.

It is for local authorities themselves to decide whether or not to use industrialised building systems. I hope, however, that local authorities will take into account the advantages which system building can offer when considering new housing schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to arrest the trend in the construction industry to grow in the 1970's at half the rate attained in the 1960's as forecast by the Economic Development Councils for building and civil engineering.

I expect construction's rate of growth during the rest of the 1970's to benefit from the Government's policies for the economy generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the cash flow problems of the building industry, if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities pay their contractors' bills promptly.

Local authorities were reminded as recently as 21st December, 1970—in Circular 8/70—about the need to settle accounts quickly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the amount of money outstanding to the building industry for completed contracts.

I am unable to make such an estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much building costs have risen since 1st July, 1970.

Building costs, as measured by my Department's "Index of the Cost of New Construction", increased by l½ per cent. between 1st July, 1970, and 30th September, 1970. No later figure is yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of his refusal to reduce the two-year period during which Government building contractors are held to fixed prices, if he will ensure that building contractors in the public sector use only materials from firms which register as willing to quote firm prices for two years.

No. Contractors must be left free to make their own decisions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he is to hold an official party and reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Government Hospitality Fund; who will be invited and at what costs to public funds; and whether those Members of Parliament with 25 years and more of membership who have never been invited to participate in expenditure from the Fund will, on this special occasion, receive an invitation to be present.

The reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of the Government Hospitality Fund will be held on 2nd March.Those invited will include members of the Government and the Opposition, officials connected with the work of Government Hospitality and representatives of outside bodies who have served the Fund over a considerable period of time.The cost to public funds cannot at present be precisely determined as it depends on the numbers who attend and the refreshments consumed. If there are any Members of Parliament with 25 years and more of membership who have never been invited to attend any Government function and who feel that they have contributed to the work of Government Hospitality I shall be glad to consider them for an invitation on this special occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state his statutory authority in respect of planning decisions relating to statutory undertakers.

Under the Town and Country Planning General Development Order statutory undertakers are permitted to carry out certain specified development needed to ensure the provision and efficient working of public services. Where a planning application or an appeal comes to my right hon. Friend for decision he is required in certain specified circumstances to exercise his authority jointly with the Minister responsible for the undertakers. In all other cases statutory undertakers are subject to the same planning procedures as other developers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive firm proposals from the Railways Board for the improvement of the approaches to London Bridge and Victoria stations.

The Railways Board hopes to submit proposals for the first stage of work on the approaches to London Bridge within the next few months. It is not yet able to say when the proposals for Victoria will be submitted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue a circular to local authorities giving guidance on a model procedure for the admission of service families to their housing waiting lists.

Local authorities were commended in a circular issued in 1965 to accept an application made before discharge or within one year of it by a Serviceman who found employment in or near the district or who had family connections with it, and to consider the application exclusively on the basis of his housing need without regard to his length of residence in the locality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much was spent in 1969 and in 1970, out of public funds, on the repair of pavements.

This information is not available and could not be obtained without excessive cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will bring forward proposals for combining water authorities with sewage authorities following the Report of the Working Party on Sewage Disposal.

As the working party noted, future organisation is something the Central Advisory Water Committee was asked to consider. I have just received its report, and it has been sent for printing. The Government's conclusions on the matter will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusion he has reached concerning the introduction of legislation which would impose an absolute liability for pollution of rivers, streams, underground watercourses and sewage systems arising from accidental spillage, as recommended by the Working Party on Sewage Disposal.

I expect to announce shortly the Government's conclusions on all the main recommendations in the working party's report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local authorities have taken advantage of Section 132(A) of the Local Government Act, 1968, to provide funds for the provision of theatrical entertainment, and to what extent.

I hear of local authorities' activities in this field only if they involve loan sanction. No central records are kept of council's expenditure on entertainments; but the report of a survey published last October by the Institute of Municipal Entertainment has been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the criteria he proposes to adopt for the designation of growth points as part of his regional policy.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1st February.—[Vol. 810, c. 262–3.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made with the house improvement programme.

The number of grants approved is steadily rising and as was recently stated 156,600 were approved in England and Wales in 1970 as compared with 108,900 in 1969. 115 general improvement areas have been declared up to 4th February. I hope that still better progress will be made during the present year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will circularise local authority planning committees instructing them to inform objectors to any planning permission the authority have issued, what rights of appeal they have.

There are no rights of appeal against a planning permission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the progress to date of his review of the effects of all forms of pollution; whether any priorities for future action have yet been established; and what further assistance he proposes giving to local authorities faced with expenditure to relieve pollution.

I have already announced certain decisions concerning the size of lorries, the planning controls over discharges from potash workings, new regulations concerning the discharge of grit and dust from furnaces, new regulations concerning noise and fumes from vehicles. I have also refused planning permission to expand an airport on the grounds of noise nuisance, and I have taken measures to help retain as many clean air zones as possible following the shortage of smokeless fuel that we inherited last June. I am currently reviewing the whole question of pollution of rivers and seas, and ways in which we can accelerate the policies designed towards obtaining clean air.In the last rate support grant negotiations substantially increased allowance was made for various environmental activities of local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on the reorganisation of local government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the reform of local government in the United Kingdom.

The Government's proposals for the reorganisation of local government in England were published as a White Paper yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations on local government reform he has received from the Association of Municipal Corporations; and what reply he has sent.

The Association sent me copies of its "proposals for a dual system" last November. I assured them that its memorandum would be carefully studied and it was taken fully into account, along with other proposals, during the formulation of the Government's conclusions regarding local government reform.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on the reform of local government finance.

I hope to publish a Green Paper on local government finance later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what official communication he has received from the Commission on the Constitution on the subject of local government reorganisation in England.

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 36 of the White Paper on Local Government in England (Cmnd. 4584) which was published yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent decisions have been made by or between his Department and the West Riding County Council concerning the construction of the Wetherby Spur to reduce the amount of traffic now using the A642 through Oulton and Woodlesford in the West Riding.

My right hon. Friend is considering the results of a study carried out by the West Riding County Council to assess the feasibility of a new or improved route to relieve the Al as an outlet to the north-east for traffic from south of Leeds. The Wetherby Spur is one possible solution that is being urgently considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if with reference to his Department's Press release of 22nd December about the Thames Barrier, he will publish in full the recommendations of the Greater London Council and place in the Library an engineering appraisal of the problems involved and the reasons for selecting various features of the design chosen for comparison; whether the type chosen can be closed without power; and if he will make a statement.

As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) on 4th November last, the Greater London Council has been asked to press ahead with the completion of its remaining studies. When I have received its second report I shall, with its agreement, place copies in the Library. That report will include an engineering appraisal of the problems involved and the reasons for preferring a rising sector gate. It is envisaged that the barrier will normally be power-operated but capable of being closed without power.—[Vol. 805, c. 351–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the expenses of the pilot conservation schemes in Bath, Chester, Chichester and York referred to in his Department's Circular No. 1/71 will be borne by the Exchequer; and what will be the cost of this to the Exchequer in money terms.

My right hon. Friend is preparing to join in appropriate schemes on a basis of equal sharing of costs with the authorities. I cannot yet say what the cost will be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy for green belt land.

Planning authorities will have my support in conserving approved green belts for land uses restricted to green belt purposes. Where green belts have been proposed but not yet approved the same policy applies upon an interim basis. I hope to make early progress in the approval of many of the proposed green belts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities concerning the relative priority to be given to sewerage schemes in their expenditure.

Local authorities themselves decide the relative priority for capital expenditure on their various statutory duties and have been given greater freedom by Circular 2/70 issued by my Department but the Department offer the advice that, as between different sewerage schemes, priority should be given to those needed for housing or industry; for reasons of public health; to fit rivers for use as a source of water supply; and to end the gross pollution of rivers; and that, beyond those categories, preference should be given to schemes which give the greatest benefit to rivers or aquifers. There is no comparable advice as to priorities between sewerage and other services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek a meeting with the appropriate highway authorities and London Transport, in order to co-ordinate plans for improving access between London Airport (Heathrow), the Central London Terminal Building and the Underground Railway.

No. If any action were needed it would be for the Greater London Council, as the transport planning authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to increase land availability for housebuilding; and if he will make a statement.

The primary responsibility for securing that enough land is available for housebuilding rests with local planning authorities. They were reminded of the importance of this in my Department's Circular 10/70 issued on 14th December, 1970, and I have been having talks with the authorities in the areas where there is the greatest need for action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made towards improving cooperation between planning and housing authorities, and builders operating in their area, subsequent to the issue of his Department's Circular 10/70, Land Availability for Housing.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Northants, South (Mr. Arthur Jones) on 27th January, it is too soon to assess the response to advice issued on 14th December, 1970.—[Vol. 810, c. 117.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will set up an independent commission to study the environmental effects of the proposed Channel link;(2) if he will appoint a committee to report on the effect of the proposed Channel Tunnel upon the environment.

No. My Department will fully consider the environmental effects of the Channel Tunnel.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the Channel Tunnel.

I am now pursuing with the French Government and the private group, the discussions referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on 27th January.—[Vol. 810, c. 525–26.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will compare the expenditure, and intended expenditure, on trunk roads and motorways for the period 1970 to 1975, between Devon and Norfolk, which are counties of similar size, population, industry and rateable value.

The latest estimated cost of major trunk road and motorway schemes under construction, programme or in preparation in Devon and Norfolk is £64 million and £15 million respectively. Much of the expenditure on these schemes will fall between 1970 and 1975. Of the total for Devon £36 million represents schemes on M5 and A38 as far as Plymouth. Devon's trunk road mileage, population and rateable value are about 50 per cent. greater than Norfolk's.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to introduce legislation to improve the machinery of compensation for individuals affected by public developments.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular giving advice to local authorities concerning the admission of Press to council and committee meetings when the reform of local government is discussed, and to make arrangements for public discussion on the reorganisation of local government structure and boundaries; and if he will make a statement.

No. I would certainly expect local authorities to keep in close touch with local opinion during the consultations on new local government areas but how they do this must be for them to decide within the requirements of the law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is the practice for draft proposals of motorway routes to be disclosed to some local authority planning departments in confidence before they are published; and what is the customary time-lag between such schemes being supplied confidentially and their disclosure to other authorities affected and to local interests.

Consultation with local planning departments is part of the fact-finding process necessary to the preparation of motorway proposals. A draft line is published at the earliest practicable date thereafter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish draft proposals for the preferred route of the projected Birmingham-Nottingham motorway, particularly the northern section and the northern terminal with the M1.

I expect to publish proposals for the central section of the route by mid-1971, the northern section, including the junction with Ml, towards the end of the year, and the southern section in Spring, 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to all local authorities in immigrant concentration areas requesting them to co-operate fully with community relations councils.

It is my intention to write to selected housing local authorities encouraging them to establish housing aid centres. My letter wil be accompanied by a memorandum, in which it is suggested that immigrants are likely to present special problems in areas where they are concentrated and that it may be necessary for there to be a link between the centre and local immigrant organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made with the desalination of sea water; and what effect this is having on plans for flooding of land for new reservoirs.

Estimated desalination costs have been falling rapidly in recent years, but not yet so far as to have an immediate impact on the general run of water supply schemes. I hope that desalination will eventually become an acceptable alternative, at least in particular situations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to the supply of water from freeze desalination plants; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend and Member for Dorking (Sir G. Sinclair).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to bring forestry activities by private owners and the Forestry Commission under planning control; and what estimate he has of the acreage of deciduous woodland destroyed and replaced by conifers in the last 15, 10 and five years, respectively.

The answers to the first part of the Question is none. As regards the second part, the acreage of deciduous woodland replaced by conifers is not known.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will exclude the financial arrangements for the clearance of derelict land from those contained in Circular No. 2/70 of his Department.

No. As my right hon. Friend told the House during the Adjournment debate on 21st January, he has arranged for talks to be held with authorities in priority areas whose reclamation programmes in 1971–72 may be affected by the operation of the circular.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the estimated Government grants to local authorities for the clearance of derelict land for each of the four years 1970–71 to 1973–74.

Local authorities in the priority areas are expected substantially to enlarge their programmes in the years 1970–71 to 1973–74. Grant in each of these four years is likely to increase similarly. As, however, grant is related to the amount by which local authority expenditure on acquisition and clearance of land exceeds its value after reclamation, precise estimates covering the four-year period cannot usefully be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the improvement of the A5 road between Shelton Corner, Shrewsbury, and the Four Crosses Inn at Bicton; and when work will start.

Some of the road southeast of the Four Crosses Inn was improved in 1968. Traffic signals and roadworks will be undertaken at Shelton Corner as soon as the land can be entered. The improvement of the road between these lengths is being discussed with Shropshire County Council and the Shrewsbury Borough Council with a view to early programming.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of appeals under Sections 23 and 24 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1962, in respect of applications for residential development were allowed, distinguishing the proportions where the decisions were given, respectively, by the Minister himself, and by a person appointed by him for that purpose, from 1st January, 1969, to the latest convenient date.

From 1st January, 1969, to 31st December, 1970, 24 per cent. were allowed by the Secretary of State and 21 per cent. by inspectors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement about the progress of the proposed Hull-Beverley trunk road and the south-west bypass of Beverley.

I am fully aware of the traffic and amenity needs for these route improvements and I am pressing ahead with the preparation of the scheme so that a programming decision can be taken as soon as the detailed design has reached a suitable stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now authorise the full feasibility study of storage of fresh water in the Wash as recommended by the Water Resources Board.

I have not yet completed the consideration of the Board's report and consultations which must precede an announcement. I appreciate the need for an early decision and I expect to be able to announce conclusions shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when work on the Dorchester by-pass will begin.

It is too early to say. The scheme is still in the early stages of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the widespread anxiety in Dorset about the proposal to extract large quantities of water at Sydling; and when a public inquiry will be held.

A number of objections have been received. It has not yet been practicable to find a date which is convenient for the main parties for a public local inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can now give a firm date for the start of the Malton by-pass on the A64.

The position remains the same as given in my hon. Friend's reply of 27th January.—[Vol. 810. c. 119.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will request local authorities to designate suitable sites for breaking up vehicles away from residential areas, and to refuse new or renewal of planning permission for such sites in or adjacent to residential areas, and to provide financial assistance to compensate firms or persons compelled to move to designated sites.

Incompatible land uses should as far as possible be kept apart, and local authorities are well aware of the importance of this in drawing up development plans and in considering planning applications. Sites for breaking up vehicles are only one example of this general proposition. Where an order is made to secure discontinuance of an existing use, persons who suffer damage by depreciation or disturbance are entitled to compensation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to strengthen the powers of river authorities in seeking to prevent industrial oil pollution of river water.

The Working Party on Sewage Disposal has recommended that the law should be amended to require better safety precautions against accidental pollution by oil, and I expect to announce the Government's conclusions on all its main recommendations shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the better co-operation between local authorities in any region.

Local authorities are making increasing use of their powers and opportunities to co-operate. Where I can assist co-operation, I shall be glad to continue to do so: for example by providing new powers, as in my recent proposal for joint structure plans, and by encouraging the joint preparation of regional strategies. Earlier this month I put forward proposals, which were welcomed by the authorities concerned, for a North-West regional planning study.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the volume of road traffic in the Peak National Park, what study he has made of the traffic flows; and if he will publish the results of such a study.

I am now considering the results of a study into the feasibility of a new high standard route linking Manchester and Sheffield and hope to make an announcement before long.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria are used by his inspectors when deciding planning appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1962, in respect of the renovation or rebuilding of ancient buildings such as the mill at Doveridge.

Advice to intending developers in rural areas including the rebuilding and conversion of existing buildings is contained in the Department's Development Control Policy Note Number 4.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has of the number of persons who have been refused consent to build a house at their own expense on the grounds that it constituted sporadic development.

Information on which such an estimate could be made is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the fact that last year some 32,000 persons, able and willing at their own expense to build houses for themselves, were refused planning consent to build, sometimes on grounds that were trivial, he will use his powers to liberalise planning policy.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State told my hon. Friend on 27th January, information about the number of planning refusals for individual houses is not available. Where planning permission is refused, appeals are made to me in about 15 per cent. of cases, and just under 30 per cent. of these are allowed. This does not suggest that planning authorities are exercising their powers unreasonably.—[Vol. 810, c. 133–4.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the fact that under the Government's new policy for local government finance the allocation to Portsmouth City Council for capital schemes is £2,405,000 as against estimated requirements in the City of £4,500,000 of which £2,405,000 is already committed, what representations he has received from the City Council for an increased allocation; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.

Representatives of the council recently discussed this matter with officials of my Department. I am now considering whether an increase in the allocation already notified is needed to meet essential capital expenditure in 1971–72.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of those local authorities in England and Wales which now levy rates on empty properties.

Yes.The local authorities in England and Wales which are rating empty property in 1970–71 are as follows:The county borough councils of:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the composition of the Northern Economic Planning Council.

I am currently reviewing the membership of all the English Economic Planning Councils. Once this review is complete I shall be giving the House details of the membership changes I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of the system of valuing property only on the land value after compulsory purchase.

This is one matter included in the general review of the compensation code, but there are many other complex matters to be examined and it is too soon to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has received any recent application from Manchester City Council for planning approvals in connection with provision of a site for open air speakers in the centre of Manchester.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the planning aspects of Manchester Corporation providing a Speakers' Corner in the centre of the City; and what replies he has sent.

I have not been approached in either of the ways mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what application he has received from the County Borough of Warrington for an allocation from the large projects pool for the year 1971–72; and what consideration he has given to the needs of Warrington for such an allocation to finance needed town centre redevelopment projects.

The council has applied for an allocation in respect of five projects expected to cost £479,800 in 1971–72. Authorities will be notified of their allocations very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive the report of Sir Hilary Scott's working group on industrial and other noise.