HC Deb 19 January 1972 vol 829 cc458-9
34. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to help speed up the preparation of major industrial sites on the riverside in South Shields and district.

Mr. Graham Page

Preparation of the two major industrial sites on the riverside in South Shields and in Jarrow and Hebburn is primarily a matter for the local authorities and the landowners, as was made clear by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State in the debate on 15th December. But I am anxious that both schemes should be started as soon as possible.

Mr. Blenkinsop

I welcome that reply Does the Minister accept that this site, particularly the Jarrow Slake site, offers the best hope of attracting major industry into that area, where it is badly needed? Is there any real reason why a grant should not be available for the major reclamation work which is now just starting in the area?

Mr. Page

The real reason is that it does not fit in with the law as it is. Unfortunately, it is not a man-made dereliction but dereliction in a tidal area. I wish that I could find some way to assist the hon. Gentleman and provide a grant, but it just does not fit in with the law.