HC Deb 28 May 1965 vol 713 cc131-2W
Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to provide Exchequer special assistance, in addition to that already allowed in the fixing of the national general grants, so that urgently required schemes of land reclamation and clearance of derelict land can be carried out throughout North Staffordshire.

Mr. MacColl

The question of providing special Exchequer assistance for the reclamation and clearance of derelict land is being considered in the context of the present review of local government finance.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, what action was taken in the city of Stoke-on-Trent and by other local authorities in North Staffordshire including the National Coal Board on Circular No. 9/55; what progress is planned; and when the work will be completed.

Mr. MacColl

Information about the local planning authorities' proposals for dealing with derelict land in these areas will not be available until the reviews of their development plans under Circular 9/55 are complete. Last year however local authorities were asked to make an annual survey of derelict land and replies received from North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent show a total of 3,624 acres in their areas. As regards the current programme of reclamation for this area I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him of 20th May.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, if he will send out a circular to local authorities and other Government Departments asking them to carry out during the next 12 months a cleaning, painting and brightening campaign, including the clearing of derelict land and the planting of trees, shrubs and turf on as large a scale as possible, and asking that special attention shall be given to areas within a reasonable radius of grounds where the World Cup Association Football games will be played in July 1966.

Mr. MacColl

Local authorities and Government Departments are generally alive to their responsibilities in these matters. My right hon. Friend understands from his hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science that the local authorities in areas where the World Cup football matches are to be played have shown themselves very willing to collaborate with the Football Association in making arrangements for the reception and entertainment of overseas visitors. As part of their co-operation they will no doubt do all they can to make their areas attractive. My right hon. Friend does not think that a circular to local authorities is called for.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what Government assistance will be available for the clearance of the derelict land on each side of the London to Manchester railway, between Barlaston and Kidsgrove in North Staffordshire, and its replacement with trees, shrubs and turf.

Mr. MacColl

Expenditure by local authorities on the clearance of derelict land is one of the matters to be considered in connection with the present review of local government finance. At present such expenditure is taken into account where appropriate in fixing the national total of general grants. It also attracts rate deficiency grant in the particular local authority areas to which the question refers.