HC Deb 08 November 1972 vol 845 cc1000-1
39. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the present rate of clearance of derelict land; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Speed

The amount of derelict land reclaimed each year is increasing steadily. In 1971 in England 4,792 acres were cleared, compared with 3,645 acres in 1970—an increase of over 30 per cent. My right hon. Friend will continue to encourage vigorous local authority action.

Mr. Dormand

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that in spite of the rosy picture for the clearance of dereliction which is always painted by the hon. Gentleman's Department, progress in the country is patchy rather than uniform? Does he further agree that local authorities should follow the example of Durham County Council, which is top of the league in the clearance of dereliction? Also, will he confirm that the present freeze will in no way restrict the grants paid for dereliction which are so important to parts of the country like the North-East?

Mr. Speed

I accept what the hon. Gentleman said in the last part of his supplementary question. I also accept that Durham has an extremely good record in this matter. Our aim is that all dereliction in the priority areas will be cleared by the end of this decade. Last year was a record year. I hope that this year we shall do even better.

Mr. Brewis

Progress is very encouraging, but what action is being taken to prevent land from falling into dereliction at about a rate equal to that at which it is being cleared?

Mr. Speed

That is one of the problems. My hon. Friend may know that, starting in the New Year, there is to be a survey into the question of disused railway land and colliery land which could fall into dereliction. While we are clearing the dereliction which was estimated in 1970, we must try to anticipate new dereliction. British Rail is very well aware of that.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the present definition of dereliction is by no means generally accepted? Will those undertaking the survey examine this matter to see whether a more acceptable definition can be found?

Mr. Speed

We are in discussion with the local authority associations, following which I hope there will be a survey in the New Year which will include an examination of this important point.

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