§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take action to increase the acreage of local authority reclamation schemes from the 933 acres approved during the last six months so that they reach the annual rate of approvals provided in 1973–74 of 4,937 acres.
§ Mr. OakesThe decline in the level of approved reclamation schemes in England in 1974–75 and subsequently has been mainly due to the impact of local government reorganisation and to the general constraints on local government expenditure. As my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Planning and Local Government announced last January, the rate of reclamation is to be increased in line with the increased programmes in Scotland and Wales following the establishment of the Development Agencies in those countries. New schemes in the development, intermediate and derelict land clearance areas in England will become eligible for 100 per cent. Exchequer grants from 15th December and a progressive increase in the rate of approvals is expected.