HC Deb 24 March 1959 vol 602 cc1104-5
19. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schemes of rehabilitation were suspended in 1952; and how many are now sanctioned under Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Nixon Browne)

Any question on the rehabilitation of derelict sites under Section 5 of the 1945 Act should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. As regards Section 3, which refers, not to rehabilitation, but to the improvement of basic services, no schemes where assistance had been promised were suspended by Scottish Departments in 1952. The renewed availability of grant under Section 3 for water and sewerage schemes was intimated to local authorities on 12th March and applications since received are now under consideration by the Department of Health.

Mrs. Mann

To whom falls the responsibility under Sections 3 and 5 of the 1945 Act? Are local authorities aware to whom they should apply?

Mr. Browne

I am sure that local authorities are aware. The responsibility under Section 5 is that of the Board of Trade and under Section 3, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.