HC Deb 07 March 1973 vol 852 cc394-5
15. Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made with his review of the question of extending for a further period after 30th June 1973 the environmental assistance scheme "Operation Eyesore".

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

I have been studying the many representations I have received that this scheme should be extended. Many factors have to be taken into account, and I cannot yet say whether an extension will be possible.

Mr. Lyons

I am pleased to hear that there is still hope for an extension of this scheme, but would not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that 17 months is too short a period for it to be in operation, particularly in view of the extreme good that it does in industrial areas such as the West Riding? Is the Minister aware that if the scheme ends on the scheduled date it will end at a time when many councils and firms are just becoming aware of its existence, and that the ending of it will throw many men out of work?

Mr. Rippon

They should not be taken by surprise at this stage of the operation. The scheme has been very successful, and there have been a large number of projects which I am sure have been valuable. The scheme was intended and planned to be a short-term boost, and I think that that has to be borne in mind. There are many demands upon public expenditure, and all these and other factors have to be taken into account.

Mr. Idris Owen

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that eyesores are not short-term, but continue throughout the ages? I support the hon. Member for Bradford, East (Mr. Edward Lyons) in his appeal to my right hon. and learned Friend to give favourable consideration to extending the period, particularly in the North-West, where the problem of blight, dereliction and eyesores is much greater than in other areas of the country. The area has been impoverished for many years, and any environmental assistance which my right hon. and learned Friend can continue will be more than appreciated.

Mr. Rippon

I shall bear those factors in mind.

Mr. Sheldon

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in the North-West in particular considerable advantage has been taken of this scheme? It took a number of authorities some while to realise the advantages that were available to them from carrying out its provisions, and an extension for 12 months would be massively welcomed.

Mr. Rippon

I know that the scheme has been popular and successful, and those authorities that were quick off the mark have benefited considerably. We all appreciate the environmental considerations that have been raised, apart from the help that it has given to local employment, as the hon. Member for Bradford, East (Mr. Edward Lyons) said. At the same time, we have to bear in mind that there are many demands on public expenditure, not least in relation to homes and homelessness.