§ Mr. Hooleyasked 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. SkeffingtonThe 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.
371WThe 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.