§ 9. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs the extent of the proposals he has received from local authorities in the North-East to reclaim derelict industrial land; what is the cost; how the cost will be shared between the authorities and the Exchequer; and what new organisation is proposed to accelerate the work of reclamation.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Sir Keith Joseph)Replies so far received in response to my recent letter on this subject suggest broadly that proposals may be put forward for reclamation or improvement of about 600 acres at an estimated gross cost of some £340,000.
As to the level of grant under Section 5 of the Act for treating derelict land, this is a matter still under study. I am considering how best my Department can assist in accelerating the work.
§ Mr. BoydenIs the Minister satisfied that this target of 600 acres is really sufficient in the next year or two? Will 1099 he not make strenuous efforts to increase the amount of land to be reclaimed and to site industrial projects on this land?
§ Sir K. JosephCertainly. I hope that we can get a rising proportion of derelict land reclaimed each year.