§ 16. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how much grant aid his Department made available during 1959 to local authorities for schemes of industrial land reclamation such as removing or planting up colliery spoil heaps and rehabilitating derelict industrial land.
§ Sir K. JosephGrant amounting to £1,838 was approved for this purpose under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949. The Board of Trade approved grants totaling 1158 £103,423 under Section 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, towards reclamation works in development areas.
§ Mr. BoydenDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this is pitiful? Is not this a very big problem which needs thoroughly looking at and the provision of a good deal of public money and drive from his Ministry?
§ Sir K. JosephIt is open to local authorities in National Parks or areas of outstanding beauty to make proposals. Those were the proposals for which help was given.
§ 17. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local authorities have applied for assistance for schemes to rehabilitate industrial sites following the passing of the Local Employment Act; and how many of these schemes have been approved by him.
§ Sir K. JosephNine local authorities in England and Wales have made inquiries about grant under the Act, but no formal applications have yet been made, and no approvals given.
§ Mr. BoydenIs not this a further example of pitiful legislation and a pitiful attitude on the part of the Government? Parts of the country such as the north of England have large areas of industrial dereliction left by absentee Tory industrialists in the past, and the Government now turn round to the local authorities and say, "It is your job to clear it up" and offer £5,000 or £6,000 to them in the process of doing it. Is it not time that the Government got to grips with this problem?
§ Sir K. JosephThe hon. Member should have a word with local authorities in the areas concerned. Under the Act they are free to inquire about their proposals. A memorandum telling them about the financial arrangements is under preparation.
§ Mr. C. HughesWhat steps do the Minister and his Department intend to take to acquaint local authorities of the facilities which exist under the Act?
§ Sir K. JosephThe Act has just been published and the evidence of nine local authorities' proposals or inquiries surely shows that they are aware of these facilities.
§ 22. Mr. MacCollasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what are the main facilities available to local authorities outside the development districts for the acquisition or rehabilitation of derelict, neglected or unsightly land; whether the is satisfied that these facilities are adequate; and what assistance is available from the Exchequer for these purposes.
§ Sir K. JosephPowers for local authorities to acquire land, including derelict land, and to develop it for particular purposes are contained in numerous Statutes. Where other powers are not available, Section 89 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, enables local planning authorities to plant trees and carry out works to restore derelict land, and to acquire land compulsorily for these purposes. Outside development districts, Exchequer assistance may be given where the land is in a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these powers are adequate.
§ Mr. MacCollIs the Minister aware that there is not much land on Merseyside which is in a National Park? Is he further aware that on planning grounds it is highly desirable that developed sites should be used by industries rather than virgin land, and that everything should be done to make them attractive? Is he aware that derelict buildings constitute a source of and incitement to wilful damage and pilfering and are a great menace from the point of view of delinquency. Bearing all these points in mind, will the hon. Gentleman press for action to be taken?
§ Sir K. JosephLocal authorities in development districts already have these powers. The hon. Gentleman probably knows that an expensive site subsidy can sometimes be claimed if derelict land is used for housing purposes.
§ Mr. DeedesAs a matter of interest, has my hon. Friend any figures to show what use local authorities have made of these powers?
§ Sir K. JosephI gave some answers earlier this afternoon which apply partly to that, but it is really another question which perhaps my hon. Friend will put down.