HC Deb 26 October 1967 vol 751 cc569-70W
Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps have been taken by the Welsh Office to encourage local authorities in mid-Wales to purchase land for industrial development.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Under the Local Authorities (Land) Act, 1963 local authorities have power to acquire by agreement land for industrial development. I consider sympathetically any application that they may make to me for loan sanction and have no reason to suppose that they need further encouragement from me in this direction.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the total amount of land owned by Welsh local authorities and held for further industrial development;

(2) what is the amount of land held for future industrial development by the county councils of each of the five counties of mid-Wales.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I regret to say that this information is not available. However, I am at present, in co-operation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, carrying out a survey throughout Wales to enable a record of industrial land to be compiled.