33. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what has been the cost to public funds of schemes for central redevelopment so far approved; and what is the estimated cost to public funds of schemes at present under consideration by his Department.
§ Mr. CorfieldLocal authorities are at present spending about £12½ million a year on acquiring and clearing land in central redevelopment areas and on carrying out preliminary development.
My right hon. Friend cannot say what has already been spent on approved schemes or how much is likely to be spent on schemes now under consideration. But much of the expenditure should be recouped as the land is sold or let for new development.