§ 30. Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will now take to assist the local authorities involved to secure environmental improvements in the Dearne Valley.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Department is already assisting the local authorities involved to secure environmental improvements in the area through the provision of derelict land grant and additional support under the urban programme. In addition, European money is being used to provide essential infrastructure, some of which also has environmental benefits.
It is the Department's intention to continue this support and explore with the local authorities new ways of improving the environment of the area. A recent example is the bid for European assistance towards environmental schemes in the Dearne valley which forms part of the measures contained within the integrated operation for the Yorkshire and Humberside steel area.