HC Deb 24 July 1974 vol 877 c479W
Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will identify the location and areas of land in England now classified as derelict land but capable of being reclaimed; and, if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

The latest available figures, giving the position as at 31st December 1971 by economic planning regions, are as follows:

Region Acreage justifying restoration
Northern 14,948
North West 12,367
Yorkshire and Humberside 10,544
West Midlands 10,166
East Midlands 7,259
South West 3,450
South East 3,027
East Anglia 2,492
Total for England 64,253
These figures cover the hard core of the problem. More comprehensive figures will be available when the results of the extended survey of derelict land currently being collected as at 1st April 1974 are known. It is hoped that the new figures will be ready for publication early next year.