§ 5. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made by the Welsh Economic Council in their study of derelict land in Wales.
11. Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration is being given to the reclamation of Derelict land in Wales.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsA panel of the Welsh Economic Council has studied this subject and has made recommendations to my right hon. Friend. As a result, arrangements are being made for consultations between the Welsh Office and appropriate local authorities about possible action on selected sites.
§ Mr. McBrideWhen my hon. Friend is considering submissions to the Welsh Economic Council, will he consider the implications of the 95 per cent. maximum grant for land rehabilitation? Will he bear in mind that local authorities in South Wales would find it difficult to raise the necessary 5 per cent. margin, to make up the 100 per cent. cost, for land rehabilitation schemes?
§ Mr. RobertsI will certainly take full note of what my hon. Friend says.
Mr. WilliamsIn view of the near-completion of the Severn bridge and the inquiries already received from potential industrialists by local authorities, will my hon. Friend consider accelerating the process for the reclamation of land?
§ Mr. RobertsMy right hon. Friend is fully aware both of the problems and potential of the area to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention. I can give him an assurance that everything possible will be done to expedite schemes for the reclamation of land.