§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the expenditure on derelict land clearance in Wales in 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsExpenditure by the Welsh Development Agency on derelict land reclamation amounted to £10.5 million in 1981–82 and £10.1 million in 1982–83. A similar level of expenditure is expected in the current year. The Supply Estimates published today include a table showing the envisaged breakdown of Welsh Development Agency expenditure in 1984–85. The allocation for land reclamation is shown there as £6.5 million. This provision reflects changing priorities at a time of improvement in the economy and greater demand for purpose-built premises and investment funds. A further £2 million is being held—in the provision for land and buildings—in case of requirement for site preparation expenditure in connection with inward investment projects. There will be an opportunity to review the use of this sum later in the year when account can also be taken of the need for any possible enhanced expenditure on derelict land clearance that might arise from colliery closures or for other reasons. In addition, resources for urban development grant have been substantially increased and a number of the schemes assisted involve clearance of dereliction. In particular, resources amounting to £2 million have been transferred from the WDA's land reclamation provision to that made for urban development grant to enable Government funding of the south Cardiff project to be made in one package. If that scheme is approved, up to £2 million may be spent on land clearance in Cardiff in 1984–85. Depending on the outcome of the Cardiff urban development grant application and the actual120W allocation of the £2 million held in reserve, total Welsh Office expenditure on land reclamation in 1984–85 could be broadly the same as this year's outturn.