9. Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many local authority areas and how many derelict sites have been visited by the derelict land unit in his Department.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThirty-five local authority areas and 25 sites have been visited.
Mr. WilliamsI greatly appreciate that reply. Will my right hon. Friend say where these visits have been made and if arrangements for further visits by this special unit in his Department are being made?
§ Mr. HughesAll the visits made so far have been in the area of the South Wales coalfield. I hope that this activity will be extended to other parts of Wales, including North Wales, later this year. The unit proposes to visit Blaenau Ffestiniog towards the end of March.
§ Mr. GowerI do not wish to press the Secretary of State for detailed information, but can he say what proportion of these sites indicated a need for very early attention?
§ Mr. HughesI cannot go into any detail at this stage. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific cases in mind, perhaps he would see me or table a further Question to me. I am glad to say that none of the sites gives any immediate cause for concern, but we are anxious to remove the tips as quickly as we can, not only for psychological reasons, but also to return these areas to their original beauty.
§ Mr. E. RowlandsWould my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of giving 100 per cent. grants to local authorities to help in this valuable work?
§ Mr. HughesMy hon. Friend will be aware of the considerable grants which are already available under the provisions of the Industrial Development Act, 1966. The substance of his question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.