§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is correct that derelict land is increasing by 10 acres a day.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, the answer is "No". I am glad of this opportunity to refute this mistaken figure which is being widely quoted in the Press at the moment, and even appeared in this year's Reith Lectures. It is based on a misunderstanding, which I shall now explain.
Since 1964 there have been annual surveys of derelict land. The figures to the end of 1968 show an increase of 13,870 acres in land classified as derelict, and that is of the order of 10 acres a day. But this does not mean that land is being despoiled at that rate. The figures reflect new survey work and the fact that, owing in particular to railway and colliery closures, land which has long been despoiled is being classified as derelict as it ceases to be put to operational use. In other words, what is increasing is the amount of despoiled land which is ceasing to be despoiled, and thus becomes eligible for reclamation. That increase is good news, not bad. Nevertheless, a misunderstanding has arisen, and I am looking into the way the statistics are presented to see whether they can be made more clear.
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, while appreciating the reply of my noble friend and also its significance, may I ask him if he is satisfied with the present rate of reclamation and whether he anticipates that there may be some early 650 indication of improvement in the situation?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, I do not think that anyone can be satisfied with the present rate. It is increasing: it ought to increase faster. As the House will know, Exchequer grants are now available to local authorities at the rate of 85 per cent. in development areas and 50 per cent. elsewhere. The latter figure will be increased to 75 per cent. in the intermediate areas, if the Local Employment Bill goes through Parliament, as it should.
§ LORD MOLSONMy Lords, will the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what is the acreage that is being reclaimed every year?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, the last annual figures—that was in 1967—show an acreage of 2,695 acres.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, can my noble friend say whether the additional figures of derelict land include pit heaps which are about to be reclaimed.
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, they include pit heaps which are no longer being worked and therefore are eligible for reclamation.