§ Mr. Ness Edwards93, 94 and 95. asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) if he will now withdraw Circular No. 52/54, relating to grants under Sections 3 and 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945;
(2) whether the provisions of Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, are now to be reactivated in the case of 32W local authorities in the Development Areas;
(3) whether he is now prepared to consider grant applications from joint water authorities in the Development Areas for the provision of adequate water supplies.
§ Mr. BrookeSo far as Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, is concerned, I explained to the right hon. Gentleman last year that, notwithstanding what was said in Circular No. 54/52, I was prepared to consider applications in cases of exceptional industrial urgency. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular proposal by a water undertaking, I hope he will let me have details.
So far as Section 5 is concerned, I would refer to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade in the debate on the 10th February. He explained that the Board of Trade were prepared to consider applications from local authorities in the Development Areas for grants towards the clearance of derelict land for the purpose of bringing it into use or improving the amenities of the neighbourhood. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are preparing to issue circulars to local authorities in these areas informing them of the detailed arrangements.