HC Deb 02 December 1968 vol 774 cc370-1W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total amount of assistance given to local authorities in each of the Economic Planning Regions of England and Wales for clearing of derelict areas in each of the years 1965–66, 1966–67 and 1967–68.

Mr. Skeffington

The total amount of financial assistance paid to local authorities in England under the various grant provisions for derelict land is as follows: —

ECONOMIC PLANNING REGION
£
1965–66—Northern 30,227
West Midlands 3,800
34,027
1966–67—Northern 49,290
West Midlands 13
South East 1,421
50,724
1967–68–Northern 196,664
North West 30,010
West Midlands 492
East Midlands 1,250
South West 18,490
246,906

Before 1st April, 1967, legislation providing for Exchequer assistance towards the cost of clearing derelict land was confined to development areas, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The figures of grant paid do not indicate the considerable upsurge in the number of schemes approved for grant in 1965–8. The total amount of grant payable on these comes to about £1½ million, most of which has yet to be claimed.

In addition, local authorities will have received further financial assistance, where they qualify for it through the rate deficiency grant and the resources element of the rate support grant.

Figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.