HC Deb 12 December 1979 vol 975 cc683-4W
28. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up an inquiry to examine the contribution that non-profit-making urban development corporations can make to assist in the regeneration of provincial cities.

Mr. Heseltine

I do not consider that a separate inquiry is needed. As my statement about inner cities policy on 14 September made clear, I see a major role for private enterprise in inner city regeneration.

31. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he considered using his powers under the New Towns Act 1965 to establish the two urban development corporations in Liverpool and London and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heseltine

I considered carefully the use of powers under the New Towns Act 1965 for setting up urban development corporations for Merseyside and London docklands, and concluded that they were not suitable.

48. Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money he intends to provide, and over what periods, in establishing the two urban development corporations for London and Liverpool docklands.

67. Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money he intends to provide, and over what periods, in establishing the two urban development corporations for London and Liverpool docks.

Mr. Heseltine

The Government intend to propose limits to payments to urban development corporations of £200 million in total, or after the passage of an order subject to affirmative resolution to £400 million, whether by voted money or borrowings. The precise costs will depend on the UDC's powers, exact area and pattern of land acquisition. No decisions have yet been taken on these matters.

60. Mr. Peter Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to establish urban development corporations in other areas of urban deprivation.

78. Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to establish urban development corporations in other areas of urban deprivation.

Mr. King

We have no plans to set up urban development corporations other than in Merseyside and London dock-lands.