§ 9. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will outline the criteria for specification of land as a derelict land clearance area; how much land has been so designated in Lancashire; and what is the amount of grant paid in this respect in the acquisition and improvement of derelict land for industrial development.
§ Mr. CryerAs Lancashire is an intermediate area, it qualifies for 100 per cent. reclamation grants without designation as a derelict land clearance area. During the current financial year, 28 schemes in Lancashire have so far been approved for grant at an estimated cost of £446,000. In two of these schemes the land is intended for industrial use.
§ Mr. AtkinsWould not an acceleration of the improvement reduce the high unemployment of the area and use other unused resources at relatively low cost? 900 Is there not a need to conserve land which is being used up for commerce and manufacturing at a rate of about 50,000 acres a year?
§ Mr. CryerOne of the general constraints on such expenditure is always the limitation of public funds, which the Government must bear in mind. But I take note of the points my hon. Friend has made, and he can rest assured that proper care is being given to the area of Lancashire that he represents.