§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish the acreage 52W reclaimed on slag heap spoils for agricultural use since 1974, the average costs per acre, and the estimated acreage for reclamation under present approved works.
§ Mr. MarksI have been asked to reply.
Figures are not available in the form requested. Returns submitted by local authorities in England show that during 1974–75 and 1975–76 3,381 acres of spoil heaps were reclaimed by all agencies. The uses to which this land was put were not recorded. Information for the later years is not yet available.
During 1977–78 the Department approvided derelict land grants for the reclamation of local authorities of 1,015 acres of all types of derelict land for agricultural use. The average estimated cost was £2,510 per acre.