§ 3. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many acres of Scotland are currently designated as green belt; what the figures were in 1974 and 1979; and if he will make a statement. [19571]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Sir Hector Monro)The currently designated area of green belt in Scotland is 384,000 acres. The figure for 1974 was 320,000 acres and for 1979 it was 540,000 acres.
Our policies continue to provide resolute protection of Scotland's green belts, which are firmly established in planning authorities and in local plans throughout most of Scotland.
§ Mr. GreenwayI welcome my hon. Friend's commitment to maintaining Scotland's natural environment, but will he explain those rather puzzling figures and renew the Government's commitment to securing more green belt areas? That contrasts with the Labour party's behaviour in my constituency, where it seeks to build on every blade of grass it can get hold of, including school playing fields. I hope that the Labour party will not do that in Scotland and I hope that it will not be allowed to continue to do so in my constituency.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe figures are easily explained: the big reduction in acreage comes largely from the reduction in the Dundee green belt, which no longer exists, and a loss of green belt area at Aberdeen—some 146,000 acres in Aberdeen and 36,000 acres in Dundee. Both local authorities concerned continue a robust countryside policy and are very active in seeing that the countryside is developed properly. I reassure my hon. Friend that the Secretary of State and I and our other colleagues involved in local government administration are very keen to see the green belt policy continue and we will ensure that it is carried out properly.
§ Mr. Michael J. MartinThe Minister may be aware that some years ago the Secretary of State gave permission for building what amounts to a very small town on 500 acres of grade A agricultural land at Robroyston in my constituency. If the Minister is allowing the development of green belt sites such as Robroyston, will he not only allow houses to be built, but ensure that developers provide facilities such as schools and community services? Houses have been built, but absolutely no services have been provided.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe hon. Gentleman makes an important point. It is essential that when the local authority involved gives planning authority it should make sure that facilities are available. I should not comment on each individual case as the Secretary of State has the final say in such matters, but I will make certain that the point that the hon. Gentleman has raised is given careful consideration and that I or my colleague will write to him.
§ Mr. StewartDoes my hon. Friend agree that the development of brown-field sites is essential to restrain pressure on the green belt sites? Will he say a word about the Government's policies in relation to that?
§ Sir Hector MonroI commend the exceptionally good work of my hon. Friend while he was the Minister responsible for local government in Scotland, particularly towards urban regeneration in relation to alternative sites and recycled brown-field sites. The Government's plan provides £9 million from Scottish Enterprise over three years for the development of derelict land. Scottish Homes also plays an important part in developing some derelict sites. That shows that the Government are very 840 concerned about brown-field sites and we are moving in the right direction with the co-operation of the local authorities concerned.