§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many schemes for clearance of derelict land in Lancashire have been submitted to him and what is the total acreage involved; how many such schemes have been approved in each of the last three years and what Government grants were received; and how many schemes are under consideration and what Government grant expenditure is estimated.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonSince 1st April, 1967, 32 schemes have been given final approval allowing work to start. Details are as follows:
Financial year Number of schemes Acreage of derelict land Gross costs£ 1967–68 … 5 327 607,383 1968–69 … 16 119 336,674 1969–70 (to date) … 11 68 101,213 Total … 32 514 1,045,270 The 1967–68 figures include one scheme for 233 acres where no grant will be paid because the after value of the land exceeds the gross eligible cost of £476,152. Capital and revenue grants paid in this period amount to £78,363 and further payments on these schemes will continue to be made, over 60 years for the revenue grants.
183WIn addition 12 schemes for 334 acres at an estimated gross cost of £858,389 are under consideration by the Ministry. Should all these qualify for the increased grant provided by the Local Employment Bill now before Parliament, grants will be 75 per cent. of the eligible costs. Local authorities are preparing schemes for a further 175 sites covering some 2,000 acres.