HC Deb 27 February 1980 vol 979 cc1331-2
3. Mr. Parris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how long he expects urban development corporations to be in existence; and how he plans to review their performance.

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Michael Heseltine)

The UDCs will remain in being long enough to enable them to do their job of regenerating their areas. Their reports and accounts will be laid before the House, and their performance discussed as their programmes and applications for Exchequer moneys are examined.

Mr. Parris

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Will he ensure that a balance is maintained between provision of new housing and provision of industrial infrastructure so that these projects become self-financing and do not constitute a drain on the county areas?

Mr. Heseltine

I am anxious that as much work as possible within UDC areas is self-financing and attracts additional private sector support. I believe that the precise balance of policies must await the establishment of the UDCs and their first policy decisions.

Mr. Steen

Although the House realises that urban development corporations are in their very early stages, will my right hon. Friend say what other plans he has to help regenerate ailing older cities?

Mr. Heseltine

The repeal of the Community Land Act and the establishment of land registers will be important features of our attempt to bring into use land currently lying derelict in urban areas.