§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will carry out a survey of derelict industrial buildings in the North-West Economic Region, with a view to their demolition and the acquisition of the land on which they stand for useful purposes.
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§ Mr. SkeffingtonDerelict land surveys which are carried out by the local planning authorities show the amount of derelict spoil heaps, excavations and other forms of dereliction in their areas. Derlict industrial buildings are included in the third category but separate figures of these buildings are not available to the Ministry. This information will be known to the local authorities concerned and they know that they can apply for grant towards the cost of acquiring and reclaiming these sites. My right hon. Friend does not consider that a separate survey is needed.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is his policy with regard to the clearance of derelict mills and other derelict industrial buildings in urban areas.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonGovernment grants are available to local authorities towards the cost of acquiring and reclaiming the sites of derelict industrial or commercial buildings which have been abandoned or are no longer capable of beneficial use. My right hon. Friend is willing to consider any such scheme on its merits.