§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will increase the grant for reclaiming derelict land when the object of the reclamation is to create a country park.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo. Very high rates of grant are already available to local authorities when they reclaim derelict land as part of a scheme to create a country park. In general, the rate is 75 per cent.; in the development areas the rate is 85 per cent. on the net loss incurred on the cost of acquisition and reclamation of derelict land, with up to 75 per cent. payable for other approved expenditure such as the erection of buildings and the provision of recreational facilities. In addition, the residual expenditure may attract further assistance through the resources element of the rate support grant.