HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1814-5
12. Mr. Armstrong

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for improvement of the environment in the county of Durham; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have made it clear that Durham will receive every encouragement from me with regard to the clearance of derelict land. The county of Durham already has an ambitious list of schemes for area improvement, the redevelopment of town centres, and the clearance of derelict land which I welcome.

Mr. Armstrong

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities in Durham are very anxious to build on the substantial improvement in the environment that has been achieved in the past five or six years, and that despite the pledges which he has made, loan sanction is now being denied in my area for very worthwhile schemes? Will he give the House an assurance that the percentage improvement in the expenditure on the infrastructure achieved in the past five years will be maintained over the next five years?

Mr. Walker

I think that the hon. Gentleman will find that I shall be proud of the substantial increase in the clearance of derelict land in Durham in the coming year as compared with previous years.

Mr. Dormand

Is the Secretary of State aware that the new financial arrangements contained in the Circular 2/70 concerning the clearance of derelict land is a recipe for delay in that respect, and will he revert to the better system of the previous Government of making direct grants for this purpose? We in County Durham have too much derelict land.

Mr. Walker

I have made it clear in the House that we shall look into any adverse effects of the general formula of Circular 2/70 with regard to derelict land. We are in consultation with Durham County Council, and I do not think that it will be disappointed.