§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he is changing structure plans to allow building on agricultural land which is designated green belt.
§ Mr. FoxThe approved green belt has generally been confirmed and extended but not all proposals for green belt extension have been approved in their entirety because of the case for providing varying amounts of development. The structure plan is used, wherever practice-156W amount of (a) derelict or despoiled land and (b) reclaimed land in (i) West Lancashire, (ii) Knowsley, (iii) St. Helens and (iv) Sefton; if he is satisfied with the rate of progress of reclamation in these areas; and what further steps he intends to take to improve progress.
§ Mr. FoxThe information is set out below.
I should like to see much greater reclamation activity in these areas. The initiative in bringing schemes forward rests with the local authorities themselves. 100 per cent. derelict land grants continue to be available for approved schemes.
able, to steer such development away from the best quality agricultural land and to conserve land for agriculture.