§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can give a preliminary estimate, in advance of the result of the survey of derelict and despoiled land, of how much derelict land there is, how much progress has been made in reclaiming it, and what plans he has for further reclamation.
§ Mr. OakesAlthough the survey results are not yet complete present indications are that the total of derelict land in England justifying treatment will be of the order of 80,000 acres compared with about 64,000 acres in 1971. Much of the increase appears to be due to reclassification by local authorities.
Some 12,000 acres were reclaimed between January 1972 and 31st March 1974, making a total of 20,000 acres reclaimed since 1st January 1970. My right hon. Friend will expect local authorities to review their reclamation programmes in the light of the survey results to enable the clearance of derelict land to proceed as quickly as economic and other circumstances permit.