§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the approximate area of derelict land remaining in the country; what proportion of this is estimated as being likely to have any future use for housing or industry; how many acres were reclaimed last year; and how many are planned to be reclaimed in the current year and in the future, respectively.
§ Mr. MacCollThe latest information from local authorities shows that there were 90,986 acres of derelict land in England at 31st December, 1965, of which 53,976 acres justified treatment. It is not known how much of the latter acreage may eventually be used for housing or industry.
In 1965 2,061 acres of derelict land were reclaimed, and local authorities proposed to reclaim a further 4,595 acres in 1966. Returns from local authorities showing the position at the end of 1966 and their proposals for treatment for 1967 are not yet complete. I will let my hon. Friend have this information when it is available.