HC Deb 02 July 1968 vol 767 cc196-7W
37. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many sites were approved in the Northern Region as schemes for the clearance of dereliction; what total acreage was involved; what was the amount of Government grant for the period 1963–64; and what are the comparative figures for 1968–69.

Mr. Skeffington

Sixteen schemes in the Northern Region were approved during the financial year 1963–64. These covered 288 acres of derelict land and involved a grant commitment of £215,775. In 1967–68, the last full year for which figures are available, 42 schemes were approved covering 964 acres, involving a grant commitment of about £688,000. Figures for the first quarter of the current financial year are eight schemes covering 126 acres with a grant commitment of £148,439.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce his policy regarding grants for the reclamation of derelict land in specially defined dereliction areas in the North-West; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Skeffington

Grants to local authorities for the clearance of dereliction are already available at 85 per cent. within and at 50 per cent. outside development areas, and the Department's regional officers are actively discussing future programmes of clearance with the local authorities concerned.

My right hon. Friend has no further statement to make at present, but as explained on 21st June by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Economic Affairs, the Report of the North West Planning Council "Strategy II" is being studied by the Government. —[Vol. 766, c. 184–6.]