HC Deb 02 July 1973 vol 859 cc7-8
8. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to report on proposals put to him by the Heads of the Valleys authorities for the industrial development of the Heads of the Valleys area.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The views of the standing conference of the Heads of the Valleys authorities are being taken into account by the Ebbw Vale task force which will be reporting to me shortly, and also in connection with the Heads of the Valleys study.

Mr. Probert

In view of the apparent indifference of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's Department about doing anything positive over the years for this area, and in view of the euphoria we heard last week by his right hon. Friend about what the EEC can do and will do for central and peripheral areas, will he consider seeking the aid of the EEC to treat the area as a special area, as is now being considered by the Clyde Port Authority for the Hunterston area?

Mr. Thomas

The question of EEC aid or regional aid is in process of being negotiated at the moment. I certainly disagree with the hon. Gentleman when he talks about Government indifference to this area. He knows that I initiated this Heads of the Valleys study. A report was put in by my office a year ago, and it was not until April that we received the recommendations and suggestions of the local authorities. At the moment, I think it will be agreed that it is right that the task force for Ebbw Vale should continue its investigations and make the necessary representations.

Mr. Rowlands

More specifically, will the Secretary of State appreciate that for the industrial land reclamation in this area, as proposed by the task force and as shown in the Heads of the Valleys study, £3 million a year is needed to clear the thousands of acres of derelict land required for the development? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman endorse this specific proposal so that we can get on with the job?

Mr. Thomas

It will be agreed, I think, that the advance in the clearance of derelict land in this area over the last two or three years has been quite remarkable. It is my wish that this should continue, because I agree that this is extremely important.