HC Deb 21 February 1972 vol 831 cc890-1
28. Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what response he has had to his Circular 38/72 about operation eyesore.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The response to date has been most encouraging. More than 20 local authorities have already been in touch with the derelict land unit of the Welsh Office and these authorities have under consideration more than 100 schemes.

Mr. Edwards

Is my hon. Friend aware that his circular has been widely welcomed? May we have an indication of the types of scheme that will receive favourable consideration? Will he ask his right hon. and noble Friend to instruct the Ministry of Defence to clear away its mess before it leaves, so as to avoid creating fresh centres of dereliction?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is "Yes". Examples under the scheme are the planting of trees or grass seeding with the aim of improving the appearance of drab and unsightly areas, the clearing up of disused allotments, the clearing of debris from rivers and canals and the improving of river banks.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one eyesore in Wales needs removing but that the innate good manners of my hon. Friends prevent us from referring to Her Majesty's Government in such unsalubrious terms?