§ 61. Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes he estimates could be built on the 49,900 acres of land currently vacant, unused and surplus to requirements and owned by local authorities; and what progress he is making in putting such vacant land to good use.
§ Mr. TrippierIt is not possible to estimate how many homes could in practice be built on such land. At 31 May 1989 approximately 14,700 acres of local authority land on the land register had a planning indication for residential use. It is for authorities to dispose of surplus land and make effective use og what they retain. By 31 May 1989 some 17,000 acres of local authority land had been removed from the register, mainly disposed of or brought into use. My right hon. Friend's powers to direct disposals will continue to be used where appropriate. By 31 May use of these powers had been initiated in respect of some 1,500 acres of local authority land.