§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to arrest the spread of derelict land since the publication of the First Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe Royal Commission identified the spread of derelict land as one of three factors, besides "straightforward pollution", affecting the quality of the environment and calling for adequate planning. The exercise of planning powers is in the first instance for local planning authorities, but I seek to ensure that the environment is protected when considering regional strategies, local development plans and individual planning cases.