Derelict Areas (Hansard, 14 July 1970)

§ 4. Mr. Blenkinsop
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take to speed up the clearance of derelict areas.

§ Mr. Graham Page
My right hon. Friend will consider what steps will be most effective.

§ Mr. Blenkinsop
Does the hon. Gentleman think that it is a good start apparently to withdraw the White Paper which his predecessor put out on the whole subject of pollution? What is being done to re-emphasise the assurance that within 10 years the major part of dereliction will be cleared?

§ Mr. Page
I ask the hon. Gentleman to await the outcome of the Government's review of public expenditure as a whole. My right hon. Friend is eager that steps should continue to be taken to deal with derelict areas.

§ Mr. Crosland
Will the hon. Gentleman at least give the House an assurance that the very much enlarged programme of expenditure for the next three years which I announced in April will be maintained in the face of any pressures from the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

§ Mr. Page
No, Sir. I cannot give that undertaking at present.