§ 39. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement of his plans for expediting the clearance of derelict sites, especially those in mining and other industrial areas.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn the priority areas where existing dereliction is most concentrated it will be our aim to get the greater part cleared within 10 years. In addition to maintaining the existing high rates of grant, increasing funds will be made available for this purpose.
§ 70. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will accept full national responsibility for the clearance of dereliction in the development areas as one contribution to a better infrastructure.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI can see no reason for a change in the present arrangements under which the programme of reclamation is expanding and every effort is being made to intensify the clearance of derelict 131W land in the development areas and to bring it into new use.
Mr. Bob Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to encourage local authorities to avail themselves of the grant towards the cost of the clearance of dereliction.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI attach great importance to the clearance of derelict land. Very high rates of grant are available in the development areas, intermediate areas and derelict land clearance areas and I shall take every opportunity to encourage local authorities to avail themselves of them and to set themselves targets for the clearance of all derelict land within their localities.