§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to establish a central register of all derelict land in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. OakesLocal authorities in England have been carrying out a new extended survey of derelict and despoiled land, the results of which will be published early next year. Information about this land is in the hands of local authorities and my right hon. Friend can see no present justification for the additional administrative costs which the establishment of a central register would involve. Responsibility for derelict land in Scotland and Wales rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to provide 100 per cent, grants for the reclamation of derelict land.
§ Mr. OakesThe rates of grant for derelict land reclamation, after taking account of the resources element of the rate support grant, are already very high, and my right hon. Friend is not at present convinced that any increase is necessary, but he will keep the situation under review.