§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress the London Docklands Development Corporation has made in developing new industry in the area; and how many new jobs have been created.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe London Docklands Development Corporation is currently undertaking a substantial programme of works (which include reclamation of derelict land, and the provision of roads and services) in its area to prepare sites for development. This work, together with private housebuilding on land released by the corporation is currently providing over 900 construction-related jobs. Assistance to industry made by the corporation under the Inner Urban Areas Act 1980 is believed to have secured over 200 existing jobs and created over 300 new jobs. Another 350 new jobs are expected to be created on sites which have been leased to developers by the corporation. More such disposals are expected shortly.
Although it is difficult to estimate accurately, the number of new jobs which have been created as a result of private investment in the LDDC area since the corporation's inception in July 1981 may exceed 1,000.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new dwellings have been built under the auspices of the London Docklands Development Corporation; and how many of the families occupying them come from the local boroughs' housing waiting lists.
§ Sir George YoungSo far some 400 dwellings have been completed on land released by the London Docklands Development Corporation. A further 1,885 are under construction or due to be started shortly. Accurate figures for the proportion of houses sold to families previously on local authority waiting lists are not yet available.