---

Local Government and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

I can certainly reassure the hon. Gentleman that the decisions will be made entirely properly, in accordance with all the local plans and the most up-to-date planning rules, and with integrity and probity. Of course, they will. I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman says that everyone accepts the need to build more homes. I hope he is talking to members of his party, many of whom are on record opposing the building of new homes across the country. The hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) said that Government housing plans would leave"““a concrete scar across…rural England””." The hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs. Villiers) said:"““Suburbs like Barnet are under attack from…excessive targets for new house building.””" The hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) said that the current level of house building was ““excessive””. That was three years ago, so I hope that Opposition Members are joining us in saying that there is an absolute need to build more homes to meet aspirations, especially those of young families.