11/10/04 Cllr Tomlinson Meets John Gummer MP

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman today met with the Rt. Hon. John Gummer MP to discuss development issues in Swindon.   Development is a key issue for Swindon.  The Labour Government has set out instructions for a further 20 000 houses to be built in Swindon by 2020, despite the concerns of local residents or community groups.

"I was delighted to discuss in depth innovative ways Swindon Borough Council can
play a part in the future development of Swindon.  His knowledge and ideas on
environmentally friendly development, and the issues that need to be addressed
for a sustainable future were extremely helpful and useful.  I will be feeding
these ideas through to the relevant stakeholders who will determine the shape
of the future development."

Rt. Hon. John Gummer MP Biography

John Gummer has in his time been Chairman of the Conservative Party, Minister
for London, Employment Minister, Paymaster General in HM Treasury, Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Secretary of State for the Environment. 
He is active in the promotion of the European cause.   His experience as an
international negotiator has earned him worldwide respect both in the business
community and among environmentalists.   In consecutive years, the BBC
unprecedentedly awarded him the title 'Parliamentarian who did most for the
Environment Internationally', while the NGO community called him 'the best
Environment Secretary we have ever had'.

Since leaving office he has been appointed Chairman of the International
Commission on Sustainable Consumption and Chairman of the Marine Stewardship
Council.   He is Chairman of The Sancroft Group, which is active in
environmental, ethical and health and safety consultancy.