South-west Regional Spatial Strategy

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Communities and Local Government – in the House of Commons am 2:30 pm ar 20 Ionawr 2009.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Iain Wright Iain Wright Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Communities and Local Government) 2:30, 20 Ionawr 2009

I am reluctant to comment on specific proposals because of the quasi-judicial nature of the function of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in this context, but I repeat what I have said in earlier responses. We have robustly defended the green belt, and we have actually expanded it since 1997. We see it as a major, powerful planning tool to help prevent urban sprawl. It is absolutely essential, and we will continue to defend it wherever necessary.