HC Deb 01 May 1963 vol 676 cc1049-50
7. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State far Scotland how many individual applications have been made to him to date by local authorities in Scotland under Section 5 of the Local Employment Act; and how many derelict sites have been cleared as a consequence of these applications to date.

Mr. Noble

Of the 35 applications submitted, 18 have been approved for work worth an estimated total of £270,000, and 13 are under consideration. Four schemes have been completed, and work is in progress on six.

Dr. Mabon

In view of that very slow rate of approval and clearance, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether it is a case of an excess of red tape, as many local authorities agree, or of Ministerial lethargy in the matter? Would he be willing to look again at the memorandum he sent to local authorities, and ask himself whether he really believes that the application form is easy to complete, and that his Department is doing everything possible to encourage local authorities to proceed with this vital work?

Mr. Noble

My Department is as keen as I am that this work should proceed as quickly as possible. I do not believe that there has been delay in my Department in considering proposals when they come forward. If local authorities find it difficult to fill up the form, I hope that they will bring the matter to the attention of the Department, and we will see whether we can help them in any way.

Mr. Millan

Does not this represent terrible progress, since there are no fewer than 15,000 derelict sites in central Scotland? Apart from other matters, will the Secretary of State look at the legal position, because many local authorities, in clearing derelict sites, face legal difficulties that do not affect England and Wales? Will he look into that aspect?

Mr. Noble

I will certainly look into that aspect. As the hon. Gentleman knows, progress must, to a considerable extent, depend on the speed with which local authorities bring forward schemes.

Mr. John MacLeod

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for tourist purposes sites should be cleared in places like Cromarty? Could those be recognised as eligible under the Act?

Mr. Noble

I will look into that point. I am not certain of the exact position.

Mr. Ross

When looking into that point, will the right hon. Gentleman look at whether or not applications are frustrated by the terms of the Act, which very directly relate the clearance of a site to the provision, or possible provision, of employment?

Mr. Noble

Yes, Sir. I will certainly look into that matter, too.