HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 c396
24. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a survey of lands in the possession of his Department in Scotland, with a view to making a more economic use or sale of potential building land, for which he is responsible, and which is currently underdeveloped.

Mr. Loughlin

The Department holds very little undeveloped or underdeveloped land in Scotland, and what is held is to meet specific Government demands. The extent of such holdings is reviewed periodically and when, as a result of changed circumstances, a site or part of a site is no longer required, it is disposed of.

Mr. Dalyell

Granted the periodic review, is my hon. Friend satisfied that the Department has sufficient incentive to disgorge surplus land?

Mr. Loughlin

It is not a question of having an incentive to disgorge it. If we have surplus land, then, subject to the general policy of land disposal, we try to get rid of it, and we would not impede any industrial or housing development.