§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many acres of land in the South-East of England are derelict as a result of sand and gravel working; and if he will issue a general direction to the Land Com 210W mission to serve compulsory purchase orders on the owners of this land, with a view to restoring it to productive uses.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe 1968 derelict land survey disclosed nearly 3,900 acres of excavations and pits in the south-east region of which some 2,D00 were thought fit for reclamation; but it is not known how much of this was caused by sand and gravel working. The question of restoration is under review. My right hon. Friend has no proposals to use his power to give directions to the Land Commission.