§ 13. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much money has been spent in Wales on Operation Eyesore.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattInformation on how much has actually been spent is not available. However, schemes to the value of £3.1 million have been approved and grants totalling £2.6 million authorised.
§ Mr. JonesIs the Minister aware that most hon. Members welcome this scheme but that there is increasing danger that the massive clean-up envisaged by this operation could grind to a halt through lack of funds? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Glamorgan has £100,000 worth of such schemes in the pipeline but has run out of funds? Will he consider making extra funds available and extending the period in which funds will be made available?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. The progress of the scheme reflects a great deal of credit on Government policies in this direction. The scheme, which was conceived to make a quick impact, has been an outstanding success. I shall consider the representations that have been made that the scheme should be extended.
§ 29. Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to extend the period for Operation Eyesore beyond the present terminal date of June 1973.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI recognise that because of its success many local authorities in Wales wish to see this scheme extended. I shall consider these representations; but I cannot go beyond that now.
§ Mr. RobertsI thank my hon. Friend for his reply because it holds out some hope. Is he aware that sympathetic reconsideration of this matter will enable this imaginative scheme to achieve its full potential?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattYes. The whole point of putting a terminal date on the scheme was to encourage rapid action. In the Cardiff City Council area, 34 schemes costing £84,000 have been approved with the grant of £63,000.