§ 30. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what assistance the Land Commission is giving to reclaiming derelict land in the Northern Region by acquiring suitable sites.
§ Mr. MacDermotLocal authorities in the Northern Region were recently informed of the Land Commission's willingness to acquire on their behalf derelict land suitable for development.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopAre there any further steps that can be taken to encourage the more rapid development of work in this field, as there is very wide scope for it? We are very anxious that the Commission should get ahead with this kind of purchase.
§ Mr. MacDermotWe have notified all local authorities that this service is available to them. The local authorities in the Northern Region receive very substantial grant—85 per cent.—for this purpose, but a number of them have been handicapped by not having suitable staff available to deal with the acquisition of sites. It is this service that the Land Commission will be able to provide.