National Planning Policy Framework Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

National Planning Policy Framework

Richard Drax Excerpts
Tuesday 27th March 2012

(12 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text
Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Lady has not even read the revised framework. That was never true, and she will see when she reads it that it is absolutely untrue now. If she wants to come and talk to me about it, I am very happy to see her.

Richard Drax Portrait Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)
- Hansard - -

Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that however much power we put into the hands of local people, unsustainable immigration will continue to put pressure on our small island that simply cannot be met?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

There are a number of causes of the requirement for new housing. Immigration contributes to it, and so does the happy fact that we are living longer than we used to. Of course, Government policy is addressing immigration to get it to manageable levels, but I gently suggest to my hon. Friend that it is beyond the planning system to do much about that.