§ 13. Mr. Probertasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is now able to announce the Government's policy on the clearance of derelict land in the next financial year 1972–73.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 22nd June. This answer applies equally to Wales.—[Vol. 819, c. 271–2.]
§ Mr. ProbertIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when I and a number of my colleagues stressed the dangers of placing this subject in the non-key sector, we were told by the Government that our fears were groundless? Will he therefore pay more heed to the practical experience of hon. Members on this matter, and, furthermore, will he encourage all local authorities in South Wales, particularly where there are problems involving derelict land, to push ahead with schemes in the next year and in future years without any let or hindrance on the part of the Government?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI wish to make it clear that there has never been any question of hold-up in this matter. Not a single derelict land scheme has been held up as a result of the system which has been operating up to the present. With regard to the other matter, I am sure the hon. Gentleman will be happy to hear that we on this side of the House share with him a desire to deal with derelict land, and we have now adopted this particular way of doing so.