HC Deb 07 May 1959 vol 605 c554
67. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many schemes for the clearance of derelict sites under Section 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, whether by his Department or by grant, have been approved this year; and what is the total cost of such schemes.

Sir D. Eccles

None as yet, but over 50 are under discussion with local authorities.

Mr. Jay

Is it not several months since the Government announced that they would approve such grants? How soon does the right hon. Gentleman think the work will actually start on any of these schemes?

Sir D. Eccles

Applications are being dealt with urgently, but this is a matter on which we must get agreement with each local authority before work can start.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that unless the Government are much more urgent in their activities than they show signs of being there will be many more derelict sites in Lancashire before very long?

Sir D. Eccles

We have the Lancashire problem in mind and I assure the hon. Member that we are considering it urgently.